Study on the Photothermal Conversion Performance of TiN Modified Carbon Fiber Fabric

Abstract The application of solar thermal conversion is an effective means of utilizing solar energy. In this study, plain, honeycomb, and terry cotton fabrics are carbonized into carbon fiber fabrics at high temperatures, with subsequent Titanium nitride (TiN) modification. The dependence of the carbon fabric properties on structure is investigated. Fiber stability, high absorbance, and structural characteristics contribute to efficient performance in solar steam generation. The vertical loop array associated with the surface of the terry structure results in improved absorbance, limiting loss of TiN particles with a consequent enhancement of fiber photothermal conversion. The optimal TiN carbon fiber fabric (TiN CFF) based evaporator can achieve a water evaporation rate of 1.82 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ under one sun with up to 93.4% absorbance. Moreover, the fiber exhibits good cycling stability and seawater desalination performance. The synergism due to TiN modification and the terry fabric structure results in an efficient and low‐cost evaporator preparation method, which can be effectively applied in photothermal conversion materials and seawater desalination.