Advances of 2D‐Enabled Photothermal Materials in Hybrid Solar‐Driven Interfacial Evaporation Systems toward Water‐Fuel‐Energy Crisis

Abstract

The development of a multi‐functional solar‐driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) system remains a significant challenge for its large‐scale applications. By taking advantage of high surface area, excellent young's moduli, anchoring/coupling capability, large absorption surface, strong absorption in the broadband solar spectrum, and efficient photothermal conversion efficiencies of 2D emerging materials (Xenes, Mxenes, etc.), hybrid SDIEs are developed to increase the use of solar energy beyond water production. This work aims to offer a systematic review of the recent advancement in 2D emerging materials except for graphene and their significant role in hybrid SDIEs to stimulate both fundamental and applied research on utilizing the underutilized auxiliary energy sources for future integrated water, energy, and environmental systems. For this purpose, first, the most recent progress in 2D photothermal materials is discussed, mainly including emerging Xenes, MXenes, and TMDs‐inspired hybrid SDIEs. Second, structural optimization strategies and modulation of the intrinsic photothermal performances of 2D emerging materials are highlighted. Third, the cutting‐edge conceptual designs developed in many hybrid applications such as thermoelectricity, salt recovery, and hydrogen production are broadly presented. Lastly, the current challenges and perspectives of 2D emerging materials and their hybrid evaporation structures are also mentioned.

Cuttlefish ink nanoparticles-integrated aerogel membranes for efficient solar steam generation

“…Solar-driven interfacial evaporation, an emerging solar-thermal technology that heats water at the air/liquid interface for promoted vaporization, has driven global applications in seawater desalination and sewage purification. 1,2 Solar absorbers, which are implemented using various photothermal materials, represent the first critical step to convert light to heat and drive steam generation. 3 These light absorbing materials are immobilized on or embedded in bulk matrices with designed evaporation structures to work cooperatively as a complete interfacial evaporator.…”

Dealloying-Derived Self-Supporting Nanoporous Zinc Film with Optimized Macro/Microstructure for High-Performance Solar Steam Generation

“…The challenge of global water scarcity has motivated the exploration of technological solutions. , Currently, membrane filtration and thermal distillation, as the most widely used desalination technologies, gradually raise concerns about energy sustainability and environmental impact due to significant energy consumption. Therefore, researchers have focused on developing green and clean solar evaporative desalination technologies. − Solar steam generation (SSG) is a convenient and effective method to utilize solar energy, which can directly convert sunlight into heat energy, facilitating evaporation. − The efficiency of conventional SSG in converting solar energy to vapor is between 30 and 45%, falling short due to the inefficient light absorption by the solar absorbers and huge heat losses, which limits their practical applications . To improve the SSG performance of the system, various photothermal materials have been shown to achieve effective solar-to-vapor conversion, including polymers, − carbon-based materials, − narrow bandgap semiconductors, − and metals. − Among these options, metal-based materials offer the following unique advantages.…”

Multi-Walled CNTs/BiVO4 Heterostructures for Solar-Driven Evaporation System and Efficient Photocatalytic Activity against Oxytetracycline

“…Despite the development of the global economy and society, freshwater scarcity will continue to pose a formidable challenge. Water pollution can exacerbate this situation due to the presence of hazardous organic pollutants in wastewater, which poses further threats to the environment and human health [1][2][3]. However, antibiotics are utilized for disease prevention in both human beings and animals and have gained increased scrutiny in recent times due to their severe environmental impact.…”