Reconstructing the nanoscale porous structures in coal-based membranes by ultrafast high-temperature sintering for solar-driven water treatment

Lignite, a low-grade coal, accounts for over 40% of the global coal reserves. The use of lignite has been limited compared to other grades due to its low calorific value, high impurities content, and elevated volatile matter. Exploring a scalable and environment-friendly approach to upgrade lignite will offer new opportunities. In this work, Ultrafast High-Temperature Carbonization (UHC) has been developed to carbonize lignite and modify its nanoscale structure to construct a conductive porous membrane. The whole process takes only 30 s with an ultrafast heating rate reaching up to 9000 °C/min and a maximum temperature over 1500 °C. Upon heating the pore structures in the coal membrane evolves into micro- and mesopores with a specific surface area of over 300 m2/g. The carbonized coal-based membrane provides superior performance as a solar evaporator for water treatment, due to its interconnected porous structures, hydrophilicity, and over 85% absorption of full-band visible light. Under 1 sun solar irradiation, the membrane shows over 98.2% removal rate of salts, heavy metal ions, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).