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The global increase in population, the phenomenon of climate change, the issue of water pollution and contamination, and the inadequate management of water resources all exert heightened strain on freshwater reserves. The potential utilization of the interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) system, which utilizes photothermal conversion to generate heat on material surfaces for wastewater purification and desalination purposes, has been successfully demonstrated. Textile-material-based ISSG devices, including (woven, nonwoven, and knitted) fabrics and electrospinning membranes, exhibit distinct properties such as a rough surface texture, high porosity, significant surface area, exceptional flexibility, and robust mechanical strength. These characteristics, combined with their affordability, accessibility, and economic viability for widespread implementation, make them extremely attractive for applications in SSG. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of the emerging concepts, advancements, and applications of textile materials, such as woven, nonwoven, and knitted fabrics and electrospun membranes, in ISSG for wastewater purification and desalination is presented. We also emphasize significant obstacles and potential prospects in both theoretical investigations and real-world implementations, aiming to contribute to future advancements in the domain of textile-material-based interfacial evaporation in wastewater purification and desalination. Furthermore, the drawbacks and the challenges of ISSG systems are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The bilayer aerogel was obtained by cellulose skeleton with PVAP hydrogel and CNT. • An evaporation rate of 4.02 kg m−2 h−1 was achieved by CPC under 1 sun irradiation. • Water evaporation increased to 11.37 kg m−2 h−1 with convective flow of 2.0 m s−1. • The 10.70 kg m−2 h−1 was obtained in salt water by utilization multiple energy. • Cost-effectiveness and significant desalination highlight wide application of CPC. Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) provides a sustainable approach of clean water production through desalination and water purification. It is still needed to pursue a fast evaporation rate, high-quality freshwater production, and low-cost evaporators. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) bilayer aerogel was fabricated using cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as a skeleton filled with polyvinyl alcohol phosphate ester (PVAP), and carbon nanotubes (CNT) as a light absorbing material in the top layer. The CNF/PVAP/CNT aerogel (CPC) had broadband light absorption ability and exhibited an ultrafast water transfer rate. The lower thermal conductivity of CPC effectively confined the convert heat in the top surface and minimized heat loss. Additionally, a large amount of intermediate water caused by water activation decreased the evaporation enthalpy. Under 1 sun irradiation, the CPC-3 (3.0 cm height of CPC) achieved a high evaporation rate of 4.02 kg m−2 h−1 with an energy conversion efficiency of 125.1%. The additional convective flow and environmental energy made CPC achieve an ultrahigh evaporation rate of 11.37 kg m−2 h−1, surpassing 673% of the solar input energy. More importantly, the continuous solar desalination and higher evaporation rate (10.70 kg m−2 h−1) in seawater revealed that CPC was a promising candidate for practical desalination. Outdoor cumulative evaporation was up to 73.2 kg m−2 d−1 in weak sunlight and lower temperature, which would meet the daily drinking water demands of 20 people. The excellent cost-effectiveness of 1.085 L h−1 $−1 presented its potential for a wide range of practical applications, such as solar desalination, wastewater treatment, and metal extractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to achieve the goals of high evaporation rate, eco-friendly and facile preparation with low-cost raw materials, a type of photothermal hydrogel which use tannic acid-iron ion complexes as photothermal material and gelator was successfully synthesized by a facile blending method. The photothermal hydrogel can achieve a high rate of 1.897±0.11 kg·m−2·h−1 and an energy efficiency of 89.7±2.73% under 1 sun irradiation and has been proven to realize efficient sewage treatment and desalination in outdoor condition. [Display omitted] • The tannic acid-Fe3+ complex is used as photothermal material and gelators. • A photothermal hydrogel evaporator is prepared by a blending method. • All the raw materials are eco-friendly and low-cost. • A high evaporation rate of 1.897 ± 0.11 kg·m−2·h−1 under 1 sun irradiation is achieved. The field of solar vapor generation has developed rapidly in recent years, but achieving the goals of a high evaporation rate, eco-friendliness and rapid preparation with low-cost raw materials is still a challenge. In this work, a type of photothermal hydrogel evaporator was prepared by blending eco-friendly poly(vinyl alcohol), agarose, Fe3+ and tannic acid (TA) together, in which the tannic acid-ferric ion (TA*Fe3+) complexes served as photothermal materials and effective gelators. The results indicate that the TA*Fe3+ complex exhibits excellent gelatinization ability and light-absorption performance, which leads to a compressive stress of 0.98 MPa at 80% strain and up to 85% light absorption ratio in the photothermal hydrogel. For interfacial evaporation, a high rate of 1.897 ± 0.11 kg·m−2·h−1 corresponding to an energy efficiency of 89.7 ± 2.73% under 1 sun irradiation is achieved. Moreover, the hydrogel evaporator exhibits high stability in a 12-hour test and a 20-cycle test without a decline in evaporation performance. The outdoor testing results show that the hydrogel evaporator can achieve an evaporation rate of > 0.70 kg/m2 and effectively purify wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Photothermal P-NMO/NF structure is well designed and successful synthesized. • Broadband P-NMO/NF enables efficient thermal management and adequate water transport. • P-NMO/NF evaporator achieves high evaporation rate and evaporation efficiency. • P-NMO/NF evaporator achieves efficient water purification for freshwater production. • P-NMO/NF shows great potential for practical solar evaporation under natural sunlight. Interfacial steam generation by harnessing renewable solar energy has been recognized as a sustainable solution to global freshwater crisis. A promising evaporator with key components of high spectral absorption, efficient thermal management and adequate water transport is highly desired. In the present study, an integrated design for three-in-one functionality is achieved by simply loading Ni 5 P 4 -NiMoO x (P-NMO) on a macroporous nickel foam (NF) carrier. In situ embedding broadband Ni 5 P 4 absorber into insulating NiMoO x enables efficient photothermal conversion and heat localization. Benefiting from proper thermal management and abundant water transmission, P-NMO/NF exhibits the excellent performance for interfacial steam generation with a high evaporation rate of 1.49 kg m−2h−1 and evaporation efficiency of 93.0 % under one sun irradiation. Furthermore, the obtained P-NMO/NF is proven to be applicable for high-efficiency freshwater production in seawater desalination and wastewater purification, showing great potential for practical solar evaporator under natural environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A smart sponge with a web-like 3D interconnected porous structure was prepared by surface atom transfer radical polymerization (SATRP) for liquid transportation and continuous solar-powered seawater evaporation. The smart sponge can achieve oil directional transport and automatically controls desorption by thermo-controlled reversible switching wettability. In addition, the synergistic effect of high light-to-heat conversion capacity and excellent salt resistance resulted in efficient and continuous evaporation. The prepared sponge showcases the great potential for developing a new class of materials for environmental restoration and water regeneration. [Display omitted] A better knowledge for the design and synthesis of low-cost, novel porous materials is highly desirable in various fields such as recyclable solar desalination and liquid recycling. Herein, a polydimethylsiloxane-based sponge with a web-like three-dimensional (3D) interconnected porous structure was developed for effective recovery of liquids and the continuous interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG). The sponge is capable of conducting directional transport of oil or organic solvents at temperatures above 32 °C while automatically controlling the desorption of the organic phase below 28 °C. The synergistic combination between high light absorption (above 95 %) and light-to-heat conversion efficiency (99.87 %) resulted in a considerably high seawater evaporation rate (1.66 Kg m−2h−1) under 1 sun. The self-regeneration of the evaporator is facilitated by the salt barrier function of the large channels of the smart sponge with high hydraulic conductivity. This sponge can maintain a maximum evaporation rate up to the 5 consecutive days operation with the co-benefit of real-time regeneration and the reversible switching of the wettability. The reusable smart sponge evaporators are highly efficient in generating clean water from seawater with satisfactory ion rejection rates (above 99.6 %). As such, the prepared sponge shows great potential in environmental restoration, metal recovery, and water regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An efficient inclined solar evaporator based on polypyrrole/polydopamine was designed. • The evaporator exhibited an evaporation rate of 3.02 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun. • A salinity gradient can be obtained by the interfacial evaporation process. • The system can achieve an open-circuit voltage of 56 mV during electricity generation. Water-electricity cogeneration using solar energy is an innovative technology to address global freshwater shortages and energy demands. Here, we designed an inclined evaporator based on polypyrrole/polydopamine photothermal materials for efficient water evaporation and electricity cogeneration. Due to the ingenious inclined structure of the evaporator, the water transport was highly promoted by gravity and siphon effect. This process not only improves the evaporation flux of water, but also create a salinity gradient that can be used for further electricity generation. The designed inclined PPy/PDA@MF evaporator exhibits an evaporation flux of 3.02 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun irradiance and achieves an open-circuit voltage of 56 mV during the electricity generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progression of photothermal materials with broad solar absorption and improved photothermal conversion efficiency is critical for developing interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG)‐based water desalination and purification systems. This green solar‐driven water vaporization technology has regained popularity as a sustainable solution to water shortage. Among many other photothermal materials, natural porous material‐based photothermal evaporators have piqued the interest of researchers owing to their biodegradability, abundance, low thermal conductivity, low cost, natural capillary mechanism, and hydrophilicity. In this review, recent advances in photothermal material design based on various natural porous materials are reported, systems considering contact mode and the water transportation route are categorized, optical absorbance is assessed, and thermal management issues and water purification as well as desalination applications are discussed. This review stimulates further investigation and research interest in the utilization of natural porous materials for large‐scale ISSG‐based application implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This research investigates the enhanced near-infrared absorption of Cs 0.32 WO 3 nanoparticles for efficient interfacial solar steam generation. • Cs 0.32 WO 3 nanoparticles effectively converted solar energy into heat, resulting in efficient interfacial steam generation. • The synthetic nanoparticles were incorporated into a porous membrane, which showed a high evaporation rate of ∼ 3.15 kg·m−2·h−1 under one sun illumination. Solar steam generation has gained significant attention as a promising method for clean and sustainable water purification and desalination. The spectral absorption performance of the photothermal conversion material directly affects its thermal conversion efficiency. This research investigates the enhanced near-infrared absorption of Cs 0.32 WO 3 nanoparticles for efficient interfacial solar steam generation. In this study, Cs 0.32 WO 3 nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple co-precipitation and heat treatment method. The synthetic nanoparticles were then incorporated into a porous membrane to create a photothermal conversion material for solar steam generation and their near-infrared absorption properties were characterized. The experimental results demonstrated that the Cs 0.32 WO 3 nanoparticles effectively converted solar energy into heat, resulting in efficient interfacial steam generation. The membrane showed a high evaporation rate of of ∼ 3.15 kg·m−2·h−1 under one sun illumination. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the design and development of efficient solar steam generation systems using near-infrared absorption nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal Ni-doped LaFeO 3 (NLFO) (LaFe 1-x Ni x O 3 , x = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) microspheres composed of nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal method are utilized for interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) of salty and contaminated water. The orthorhombic (pnma) to rhombohedral (R 3 c ¯) phase transition of LaFeO 3 (LFO) at morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) flattens the free energy profile, and high absorbance in the 800–2000 nm Vis-NIR region arises due to the creation of intra-band gap states are accountable for superior activity towards the ISSG for desalination. The La, Ni, and Fe possess the oxidation states of 3+, 2+, and 3+/4+, respectively, showing successful doping of Ni2+ at the Fe3+ sites that produce lattice distortion at La/FeO 6 octahedra. LaFe 0.5 Ni 0.5 O 3 (NLFO5) sample exhibits surface temperature of 50.4 °C due to heat localization and produces evaporation flux of 2.89 kg/m2h under IR illumination at the air-water interface. Importantly, NLFO5 loaded cellulose paper shows good repeatability and cyclic stability for 10 consecutive cycles under IR illumination and equivalent evaporation flux of 2.4 kg/m2h under direct sunlight illumination. Moreover, 3.5 wt% saline water shows a drastic decrement in ion concentration after ISSG, as confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, NLFO5 possesses good evaporation flux of 2.27 and 2.20 kg/m2h for water contaminated with RhB and MB organic dye. Our results propose the NLFO as distinguished photothermal material for ISSG application and wastewater purification by means of evaporation. Intra-band state creation in Ni-doped LaFeO 3 (NLFO) due to the presence of La3+, Ni2+, Fe3+/Fe4+, and O2− delivered excellent desalination and dye removal, and presented as one of the finest photothermal materials for real-time applications in interfacial solar steam generation and photodegradation of organic dyes from contaminated wastewater. [Display omitted] • High absorbance due to creation of intra-band gap states provided superior activity towards the SSG. • ~50.4 °C rise in surface temperature for NLFO5. • Real-time desalination of 3.5 wt% salt water. • RhB and MB dye separation under direct sunlight. • Drastic decrement in salt concentration after SSG as confirmed from AAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) is a sustainable and promising technology. Solar energy is used to desalinate seawater and purify industrial wastewater. Solar absorbers based on carbonized biowaste have received increasing attention because they are biocompatible, carbon-rich, hydrophilic, have low thermal conductivity, and exhibit excellent solar absorption. We fabricated a three-dimensional (3D) photothermal material based on carbonized orange peel (COP) for ISSG. The microscopic pores of COP ensured excellent thermal insulation, and the upward-concave shape enhanced light absorption and the self-floating capacity. COP exhibited an evaporation rate of 1.86 kg m−2 h−1 and energy efficiency of 87.90 % under 1 sun irradiation. Additionally, the salt rejection rate was 99.99 % during desalination, and the dye removal rate was 100 % during water purification. Our solar evaporator is thus a low-cost and efficient means of ISSG, and it shows that biowastes can serve as effective photothermal materials. 3D self-floating upward concave-shaped COP has been designed by using a freeze-drying method followed by carbonization in the inert atmosphere. 3D self-floating upward concave-shaped evaporator exhibited extremely efficient water evaporation capability due to its unique shape providing large surface area, excellent hydrophilicity, and good solar-to-heat conversion ability. [Display omitted] • A 3D self-floating concave shaped biowaste orange peel-derived evaporator was designed. • The absorber possessed large surface area, excellent hydrophilicity, and good solar-to-heat conversion ability. • COP evaporator exhibited an evaporation rate of 1.86 kg m−2 h−1 and an efficiency of 87.90 % under 1 sun. • The unique design demonstrated 99.99 % salt rejection for desalination and 100 % dye removal for water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) has been considered a potential solution to the current energy crisis and lack of freshwater. In ISSG, a novel solar interfacial evaporator is allowed to float on the bulk water. It has the ability to supply adequate water to the evaporative surface, suppress heat loss and improve light-to-vapour conversion efficiency. Since 2014, innovative photothermal materials as well as different types of advanced structural designed interfacial evaporators have been introduced in ISSG. This rapid development of evaporators has resulted in the evaporation efficiency of 100 % with least energy consumption. In this review, ultrahigh evaporation performance of ISSG with different types of solar evaporators (foam, wood, hydrogel, aerogel, membrane, 3D printing, paper and plant-based evaporators), fabrication process and vapour formation mechanisms are explored. After examining the latest technologies and advancements in research, potential methods to enhance the efficiency of ISSG under different levels of solar irradiation are described. Further, the challenges such as salt rejection technique, minimizing heat loss, water transport technique and condensation process are reviewed. Subsequently, the applications of ISSG in dye removal, water desalination, microorganism removal and power generation are explored. Eventually, the summary and outlook for improving this technology for real-world applications are summarized. [Display omitted] • We summarize the recent development of different types of solar evaporators. • Fabrication and vapour formation processes of different evaporators are reviewed. • Salt removal and other potential applications of ISSG are discussed. • We provide future suggestion to improve the ISSG performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) has attracted considerable interest as a means of producing fresh water from various water sources. And photothermal materials play a crucial role in the ISSG system, significantly impacting the efficiency of water evaporation. Among the numerous photothermal materials for ISSG, natural photothermal materials have attracted extensive attention due to their eco-friendliness, renewability, and cost-effectiveness. These materials possess the essential attributes required for efficient solar interfacial evaporators, including hygroscopicity, solar absorption, and thermal conversion, making them well-suited for the large-scale development of high-performance interfacial evaporators. This review summarizes recent advances in the application of natural materials in the ISSG system, lists strategies to enhance the photothermal properties of natural materials, analyzes the design advantages and functionalities of natural materials in thermal management and water transport (major influencing factors of ISSG system's evaporation efficiency), and aims to provide references for research on natural materials in the field of ISSG system. [Display omitted] • Recent advances in the application of natural materials in ISSG systems are Reviewed. • Modification strategies for natural materials and their enhancement mechanisms are Elucidated. • Offering insights for researchers engaged in the exploration of natural materials based ISSG system. • Summarizing and prospecting the research prospects of natural materials for ISSG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 2D laminate films prepared via a hybrid dimensional design of Chiber, MWCNT, and rGO. • The 2D film achieves a high water evaporation rate of 2.10 kg·m−2·h−1 under one sun. • 0.45 V of electricity is generated in the saturated NaCl solution during evaporation. • Lamellar structure and nanopores supply good water transport and thermal management. • Molecular-level elucidation of electricity generation through MD simulation. Emerging water purification technology, known as interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG), has been rapidly developing in recent years. ISSG offers a promising solution to address both freshwater shortage and energy demand by simultaneously producing freshwater and electricity. This is achieved through the combination of microporous films and highly efficient photothermal materials. In this study, we have developed a composite film using a 2D material, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and a combination of 1D materials, chitin fiber@multi-walled carbon nanotube (Chiber@CNT). Through a hybrid dimensional design, these materials' advantages are integrated, resulting in a composite film with a distinct laminar porous structure and excellent broadband absorption. Notably, under 1 kW·m−2 sunlight irradiation, the composite film achieves a water evaporation flux of 2.10 kg·m−2·h−1 with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 75.79%. In addition, by utilizing an energy-harvesting strategy based on natural water evaporation in porous nanomaterials for power generation, the composite film successfully enables the simultaneous production of freshwater and electricity. Its output voltage reaches 0.39 V in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Furthermore, the film's output voltage varies with the concentration of NaCl, increasing from 0.26 V (in deionized water) to 0.45 V (in the saturated NaCl solution). Molecular dynamic simulation results indicate that the enhanced power generation can be attributed to the difference in interatomic interaction strength between ions and hydrophilic functional groups in chitin fiber (Chiber). This finding provides a deep physical mechanism and opens up possibilities for the film's application in highly concentrated salt solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing affordable and eco-friendly photothermal evaporators is crucial to facilitate the application of interfacial solar evaporation technology in seawater desalination. Herein a versatile solar evaporator was designed and fabricated by confining black melanin nanoparticles (MN) obtained from Lophius litulon skin into a MIL-53(Fe) framework (MNM). The obtained evaporator showed a high evaporation rate of 1.34 kg·m−2·h−1 and corresponding energy efficiency of 90.6% under 1.0 sun illumination, as well as long-term salt-rejection properties (continuous outdoor evaporation of 10 wt% brine for 15 days). The estimated materials costs (1 m2) was less than USD 6.5 and the clean water yield meets the daily drinking water requirements for four adults. In addition, the photothermal evaporator showed excellent antibacterial property, high biocompatibility (90% cell survival) and recyclability. This study provides a new path for large-scale utilization of marine biomass materials in designing low-cost, scalable, and recyclable interfacial solar evaporation devices to produce drinkable water. [Display omitted] • A solar evaporator was prepared using MOF and melanin nanoparticles separated from marine biomass. • The overall evaporation system is inexpensive, antibacterial, and highly biocompatible. • The solar evaporator shows excellent solar evaporation rate of 1.34 kg·m2·h−1 and long-term salt-rejection properties. • The evaporator demonstrates outstanding reusability and long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Facile design of the photothermal membrane for solar steam generation. • PDA-modified ZIF-L enhances solar absorption and photothermal properties. • Sodium alginate-based membrane effectively prevents salt deposition. • Stable freshwater generation from high-salinity brines is achieved. • The S-ZIF-L/PDA sponge has excellent water treatment capabilities. Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) technology is considered to be one of the most promising approaches to alleviating the global shortage of clean water due to its high solar thermal conversion efficiency. However, achieving stable evaporation in high salinity solutions and preventing the occurrence of salt deposition phenomena remains a challenge. Here, an efficient and stable photothermal membrane-based evaporator has been developed, which consists of polydopamine (PDA) modified leaf-like zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-L) implanted in sodium alginate (SA) membrane supported on a melamine sponge (S-ZIF-L/PDA sponge), providing more advantages for boosting the photothermal conversion performance and preventing salt deposition. This S-ZIF-L/PDA sponge displays an excellent light absorption (>95 %), and remarkable evaporation rate of 1.66 kg·m−2·h−1 with a solar-thermal efficiency of 91.06 % under 1.0 sun (1 kW·m−2) illumination. Benefiting from the super hydrophilic feature of the melamine sponge and the rejection properties of the SA membrane structure, the obtained sponge effectively prevents salt and contaminants from depositing on the surface. Particularly, the S-ZIF-L/PDA sponge achieves an evaporation efficiency of 86.17 % in 20 wt% NaCl solution, along with excellent resistance to salt deposition and marvelous stability in cycling tests. The salt ion concentration of the obtained fresh water is much lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard, and the organic removal rate exceeds 99 %. This work provides a competitive solution for high-salinity desalination and wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar steam generation as a green and sustainable technology has recently attracted significant interest for relieving the longstanding challenge of clean water resources. However, the large-scale preparation of low cost photothermal materials for solar steam generators is highly desired yet still challenging. Herein, semi-coke (SC), a solid byproduct of coal industrial, was first demonstrated as an efficient photothermal material and successfully applied in solar steam generation system by depositing SC on melamine sponge with the assistance of polydopamine. Then, the modified melamine sponge was functionalized by hydrophobic methyl trichlorosilane to fabricate the self-floating semi-coke/polydopamine@photothermal melamine sponge (SPMS). Based on their outstanding light absorption, good wettability, and effective thermal location, the SPMS performs a high evaporation rate of 1.41 kg m−2 h−1 with a solar thermal conversion efficiency of 90.56% under 1 sun irradiation. Meanwhile, the SPMS has remarkable cycle stability and water purification abilities for seawater, dyeing wastewater and heavy metal solution. By turning "waste" to "wealth", the SPMS shows great potential for sustainable applications in synergetic solar clean water production. [Display omitted] • The waste semi-coke was first applied for solar steam generation. • A self-floating system inspired by ducks was fabricated. • Extremely low cost and abundant resources made this absorber stand out. • Excellent water purification capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solar‐driven interface steam generator (SISG) has potential applications in saline water desalination and polluted water purification. A shape‐ and size‐controlled, low‐cost, eco‐friendly solar‐absorber material is urgently desired for practical applications of SISGs. Herein, a facile, sustainable, and scalable approach is proposed to produce tailored SISGs with controlled macromorphology derived from flour via "dough figurine" technology originating from the China Han Dynasty. Three kinds of self‐floated flour‐based absorbers, i.e., near‐cylindrical (integrated), near‐spherical (loose packing), and powdery (dense packing) absorber used as SISGs, are discussed. More importantly, it is found that the macromorphology significantly influences water transport and interfacial thermal management of SISGs; thus the integrated absorber has an obvious advantage over the other two absorbers, which possesses a high evaporation efficiency of 71.9% at normal solar illumination. The proposed "dough figurine" technology breaks the limitations of the inherent geometry of reported biomass‐based SISGs, which provides an important guidance for SISG use in remote and impoverished areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar‐driven interfacial vaporization by localizing solar‐thermal energy conversion to the air–water interface has attracted tremendous attention due to its high conversion efficiency for water purification, desalination, energy generation, etc. However, ineffective integration of hybrid solar thermal devices and poor material compliance undermine extensive solar energy exploitation and practical outdoor use. Herein, a 3D organic bucky sponge that has a combination of desired chemical and physical properties, i.e., broadband light absorbing, heat insulative, and shape‐conforming abilities that render efficient photothermic vaporization and energy generation with improved operational durability is reported. The highly compressible and readily reconfigurable solar absorber sponge not only places less constraints on footprint and shape defined fabrication process but more importantly remarkably improves the solar‐to‐vapor conversion efficiency. Notably, synergetic coupling of solar‐steam and solar‐electricity technologies is realized without trade‐offs, highlighting the practical consideration toward more impactful solar heat exploitation. Such solar distillation and low‐grade heat‐to‐electricity generation functions can provide potential opportunities for fresh water and electricity supply in off‐grid or remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) has received increasing attention in both industry and academia, and is considered a method with great potential for wastewater treatment and desalination. These practical applications require materials that fulfil several requirements: being low cost, being scalable in terms of processing, being environmentally friendly, and having a high, stable optical–thermal conversion efficiency of solar vaporization. Currently, biomass materials show very promising prospects for ISSG systems. Here, it is observed that bamboo charcoal (BC) possesses a series of unique advantages that make it a highly efficient ISSG device. The broadband light absorption and the arched and porous structural features of BC fulfil all the basic requirements of an ISSG device in localized heating, heat management, and water supply. The self‐contained arched BC device demonstrates high evaporation efficiency (84% under 1 sun radiation) and superb stability under strongly acidic, strongly alkaline, and intense light environment conditions. More importantly, the porous BC device can provide stable fresh water production that simultaneously promotes the purification of water via evaporation by heating. Finally, the low cost, environmentally sustainable, mechanically robust, and long‐term stable BC device is a potential opportunity for wastewater treatment and desalination in underdeveloped areas. Bamboo charcoal for daily use has been successfully applied to photothermal conversion. Its application is based on excellent optical, thermal, and stable mechanical properties rather than physical adsorption. Arched bamboo charcoal with many pores as a self‐contained solar steam generation can achieve 84% evaporation efficiency at 1 kW m−2. Its water purification capacity is also enhanced via evaporation of local heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]