Recent advanced optical adsorption regulation strategies in solar-driven evaporation for efficient clean water production: A review

The water-energy nexus is under increasing pressure in recent years. Solar-driven evaporation technology is a promising freshwater generation strategy by utilizing solar energy resources to overcome water scarcity. Although continuous achievements have advanced, broadband optical absorption and the maximized photothermal conversion efficiency remain an arduous challenge. In this review, the recent progress in achieving efficient solar absorption by the point of view of photothermal materials design was discussed based on the photothermal conversion mechanisms. Additionally, the main design factors and strategies for optical absorption regulation in solar evaporators are reviewed from structural design. Recent highlights on the construction of passive distillation systems have been emphasized. And a brief analysis of an effective design of solar evaporators by reducing reflection and radiation has been presented. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of solar evaporators are illustrated to offer auxiliary solutions for coping with the shortage of clean water and energy.