Intercalation of VO and Polypyrrole into a Graphene Oxide Layer: A Hybrid Multifunctional Photothermal Structure for Efficient Solar Evaporation, Water Purification, Disinfection, and Power Production.

Development of a hybrid multifunctional photothermal structure with multifunctional capabilities is deliberated as an effective approach for harvesting abundant solar energy for sustainable environmental applications. Achieving enhanced solar to thermal conversion efficiency utilizing a suitably designed, environmentally compatible thermal management structure however remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the intercalation of VO and polypyrrole into a graphene oxide layer to design a hybrid photothermal assembly (PPy-VO-GO) and its multifunctional proficiencies. The hybrid photothermal structure demonstrated synergistic photothermal conversion, buoyant porous structure sustaining water transmission, and efficient steam release. VO and polypyrrole-intercalated optimized graphene oxide structure attained an evaporation rate of 1.9 kg m h with a conversion efficiency of 92% under 1 sun solar radiation. At maximum, the assembly's surface temperature hit 64 ± 2 °C, suggesting its suitability as a solar water purifier. Outdoor experiments suggest the evaporator assembly's capability to accumulate a total output of 15 kg m over a single day. Cell viability investigations revealed strong antimicrobial properties of PPy-VO-GO against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, eliminating nearly all under 1 sun, making it a potential candidate for photothermal therapy. Furthermore, when combined with a commercial thermoelectric module, the framework displayed exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency, hinting at its potential for electrical power generation. The integration of PPy-VO-GO with a BiTe-based thermoelectric module significantly boosted the thermoelectric generator's performance, offering an enhanced power output of 2.8 mW and a high power density of 1.24 mW/cm, making them suitable for off-grid or remote-area application. Overall, the PPy-VO-GO photothermal assembly's stability, lack of leaching, effectiveness in producing pure water from seawater, antimicrobial efficacies, and recyclability make it an excellent choice for sustainable water treatment and power generation.