Controlled Self-Assembly and Photo-Thermal Activation of Viologen-Based 2D Semiconductors for Dual-Function Energy Management in All-Weather Applications

Abstract

Solar thermal technology offers a promising solution to water scarcity; however, the continuous operation of solar evaporators remains challenging due to sunlight's intermittent availability. Herein, an alternative strategy is proposed to achieve dual-functional energy management of photo-thermoactivated viologen T semiconductors for enhanced solar water evaporation, water-enabled electricity generation, and electrothermal evaporation. A sequential cyanide-bridged layer-directed intercalation approach is developed, where infinitely π-stacked, redox-active N-methyl bipyridinium cations with near-planar structures are sandwiched between cyanide-bridged MnII–FeIII. The extended absorption range of 95% is achieved through radical–π interactions that occur within the continuously π-stacked N-methyl bipyridinium units upon thermal activation. The photo-thermoactivated MnII–FeIII compounds anchored charcoal mask (MnII–FeIII@CM) with a sided evaporation structure and controllable water transfer, offering a high evaporation rate of 2.39 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun (1 kW m−2) illumination. As an energy nanogenerator, the output voltage and current of MnII–FeIII@CM can reach up to ≈480 mV and ≈60 µA cm−2 under ambient conditions. Furthermore, storage of electrical energy from MnII–FeIII@CM using energy storage devices is expected to enable all-weather evaporation by electric heating due to unsustainable sunlight, providing a unique technology for seawater desalination and offshore work platform energy access.

Keywords: Solar Thermal, Semiconductors, Weather Applications, Seawater Desalination