Recent advances in MXene-based membrane for solar-driven interfacial evaporation desalination

In recent years, solar-driven interfacial evaporation desalination (SIED) technology has advanced rapidly, owing to its abundant solar energy, extensive water sources, and low carbon footprint. This rapid development has given rise to new technologies, especially photothermal materials (PM), which provide excellent performance at a low cost. MXenes have recently shown outstanding photothermal conversion due to their remarkable electromagnetic wave absorption and local surface plasmon resonance effects. Photothermal conversion is an efficient way to use solar energy by converting it into thermal energy, which has led to the significant interest of MXene in the SIED field. However, a comprehensive understanding of the application of MXene to solar-driven interfacial evaporation desalination has not been reported to date. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress of MXene in the field of SIED. Firstly, a brief overview of the synthesis strategy for MXene and their nanocomposites is presented, focuing on the preparation of MXene-based membranes with varying infiltration and their performance for solar-driven interfacial evaporation desalination. Secondly, based on the special physicochemical properties and ease of modulation of MXene, its properties are discussed from three perspectives: photothermal conversion capacity, water transport capacity and salt resistance. Finally, challenges and issues related to the development of MXenes in solar-driven interfacial evaporation desalination are discussed further.