Solar-driven interfacial evaporation technologies: Materials, optimization strategies, applications, and research progress

The rapid intensification of human activities in recent years has led to a substantial increase in global water consumption, exacerbating the pressure on limited freshwater resources. In response, the development of efficient, sustainable, and low-energy water purification technologies has become critically important. Among emerging strategies, solar-driven interfacial evaporation has gained renewed attention due to its simple architecture, high solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency, and reliance on abundant solar energy. By enabling localized water evaporation at the air–liquid interface, this technique enhances water utilization while reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based purification methods. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in solar-driven interfacial evaporation, with a particular emphasis on the development of photothermal materials and system-level optimization strategies. The main classes of photothermal materials are discussed in relation to their underlying conversion mechanisms and performance characteristics: metallic nanoparticles, semiconductors, carbon materials, and polymers. Key approaches for enhancing evaporation efficiency, such as broadband light harvesting, thermal energy management, and three-dimensional structural engineering, are systematically examined. In addition, practical applications in seawater desalination, wastewater purification, and soil remediation are highlighted. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are outlined to support the transition of this technology toward large-scale deployment. This review aims to provide valuable insights for advancing sustainable water purification and energy conversion solutions. • Key interfacial evaporation materials and their mechanisms were introduced. • Advanced optimization strategies for interfacial evaporation were systematically summarized. • Future challenges and development directions were proposed.