Fragmented micro‐evaporators: Synergistic freshwater production and lithium‐ion extraction from high‐salinity brine

Abstract To address the dual challenges of freshwater scarcity and energy shortages, the exploitation of salt lake resources has garnered significant attention. Here, we propose a facile strategy involving fragmented spherical micro‐evaporators (SMEs) with exceptional solar‐harvesting capabilities to achieve continuous freshwater production and efficient lithium‐ion extraction. The hybrid SDIWE system based on the exceptional solar‐to‐thermal conversion capability of graphene exhibited excellent evaporation performance (3.18 kg m −2 h −1 ) under 1 sun. Additionally, the self‐floating‐sinking transport feature endows the spherical micro‐evaporator with a distinct self‐cleaning ability to meet the salt crystallization challenges facing SDIWE. Simultaneously, benefiting from the photothermal effect and enriched Li + in confined space, the Li + recovery capacity was enhanced by 3.4 mg g −1 under one sun. This work provides an integrated solution for freshwater and lithium extraction toward comprehensive utilization of high‐salinity brine resources.