ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes nanofluid-based volumetric solar steam generation was introduced and some key developments in this area. It describes the mechanisms of nanofluid-based solar steam generation. Plasmonic nanomaterials such as doped metal oxides or metal materials have a strong light collection ability owing to their localized surface plasmon resonance arising from the interactions between the free electrons on the nanoparticle-polymer (NP) surface and incident light. The NP concentration in the nanofluid affects its solar steam generation performance significantly, particularly because the NPs are the main light absorption medium. The steam generation performance of nanofluids is rather limited under natural conditions. Therefore, the solar light is usually concentrated to increase the power of the incident energy. As a heat transfer medium, the nanofluids used in practical engineering must have good reusability and long-term stability. Apart from the solar steam generation, nanofluid-based volumetric solar collection could be applied to simultaneous purification of contaminated water.
