A Low-cost Biological Graphene Nanocomposite Approach for Solar Steam Generation

Addressing the critical challenges of high synthesis temperatures and energy consumption in conventional graphene production, This study presents a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to synthesize graphene-based composites for solar steam generation by utilizing self-assembled fungal hyphae as precursors. We demonstrate a novel strategy involving silver ions to bacterially fragment 3D protein structures within the hyphae. This modification enables the successful synthesis of mycelium-derived graphene at a significantly reduced temperature of 300°C, simultaneously synthesizing the in situ formation of Ag nanoparticles. Moreover, the incorporated Ag nanoparticles enhance photothermal conversion efficiency through surface plasmon resonance effects, achieving an evaporation rate of 2.48 kg/m²h under 1 kW/m2 irradiation. Furthermore, interfacial cultivation with carbon clothes reduces the hyphae growth reduced to 24 hours. Therefore, the results exhibits potentially exceptional solar-driven evaporation performance while maintaining low fabrication costs and eco-compatibility, and establishes a scalable pathway for sustainable graphene production in the future.