Hierarchical Co3S4 nanostructure coupling with macroporous nickel foam: A robust interfacial solar evaporator for efficient desalination and sustainable freshwater production

Interfacial solar water evaporation (ISWE) technology provides a green, energy-saving and economical way to sustainably produce freshwater from various water sources for addressing the impending water shortage. However, the low evaporation rate , complex manufacturing process and harmful surface salt accumulation for ISWE are still challenging and considerably restricted the practical applications. Herein, we design and fabricate a robust ISWE based on the hierarchical Co 3 S 4 nanostructure as a photothermal absorber and three-dimensional (3D) nickel foam (NF) as a primary structure with macroporous networks. The as-fabricated Co 3 S 4 /NF not only introduces sufficient photothermal centers to convert solar energy into heat, but also provides abundant channels for water transportation and steam escape. The Co 3 S 4 /NF evaporator exhibits a high evaporation rate of 1.56 kg m −2  h −1 and a photothermal conversion efficiency up to 94.18 % under one-sun illumination. Moreover, such evaporator shows the long-term durability and good salt-resistant ability, which can sustainably produce freshwater from various water sources including seawater, saline water, lake water and other contaminated water . The photothermal Co 3 S 4 /NF evaporator would provide a promising platform for the production of drinkable water in a safe and sustainable manner.