A 3D Hemispheric Steam Generator Based on An Organic–Inorganic Composite Light Absorber for Efficient Solar Evaporation and Desalination

Abstract Solar‐driven interfacial steam generation is emerging as a sustainable and environmental‐friendly technology for potential applications in sterilization, desalination, and wastewater treatment. Despite the impressive progress achieved at labs, only few designs specialize in ambient and outdoor applications. Herein, a 3D hemispheric steam generator composed of nanocarbon (CB):poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite materials as a light‐absorber, which boosts the light absorption in a wide range of incident angles, is reported. Gratifyingly, the 3D hemispheric steam generator afford efficient water evaporation and high photothermal conversion efficiencies of ≈87% when employing moderate sunlight (0.75 sun) with varied incident angles (90°, 80°, and 65°) in a set of indoor measurements. The more hydrophobic surface of the light‐absorber enabled by PMMA leads to better durability and avoids significant salt accumulation for solar desalination. This work highlights the intriguing prospect of this novel 3D hemispheric design and elegant organic–inorganic composite concept to realize efficient clean water production for potential real‐world applications.