Hierarchical structure design of MoS2/PDA/Ag-hybrid hydrogel system enhances all-environment solar water purification

As a promising and sustainable way for freshwater production, interfacial solar vapor generation technology often encounters harsh conditions such as fluctuating illumination, high salinity, bacterial growth, and acid/alkali corrosion, which can reduce its conversion efficiency and lifespan. Here, to address these challenges, an environmentally adaptive hierarchical structure incorporating plasmonic Ag nanoparticles, MoS 2 nanoflowers, and polydopamine (PDA) (MoS 2 @PDA/Ag) within a hybrid hydrogel matrix was designed as the functional solar evaporator. By systematically adjusting the volume ratio of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) skeletons, high evaporation efficiencies can be achieved in hypersaline conditions. Further, the cooperation of multi-photothermal materials endows the evaporator with a broad light absorption spectrum, superior photothermal conversion efficiency, and strong antimicrobial capabilities. The evaporator demonstrates a high evaporation rate of 2.79 kg m -2 h −1 under 1 sun irradiation and maintains sustainable evaporation for 8 h without salt deposition in 20 % NaCl solution. After being immersed in an acidic and alkaline seawater environment for 30 days, the evaporator shows no change in appearance, with only a slight decrease in performance. This work presents a promising platform for the development of solar evaporators with practical applications in various environmental conditions.