Green-synthesized HF-free 2D MXene nanosheets for high-performance 3D biomimetic solar evaporators

Addressing the water shortage issue in a green and sustainable manner, solar water evaporation technology is regarded as a promising strategy for water desalination. However, conventional solar evaporators face structural limitations and exhibit lower evaporation rates, hindering their practical application. In this study, we propose a biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) solar evaporator that demonstrates exceptional performance in light absorption and thermal management. By utilizing two-dimensional (2D) HF-free MXene nanosheets as photothermal materials, the evaporator enhances light capture, and the surface-rich functional groups of these nanosheets facilitate efficient water transport. Experimental results have shown that, by leveraging the advantages of the 3D structure, the evaporation rate of water under single solar irradiation can reach 3.46 kg m -2 h −1 , surpassing many other experimental devices. In addition to its environmental friendliness, the evaporator’s edge salt crystallization provides excellent anti-salt deposition functionality. Furthermore, purification experiments on West Lake water were conducted, demonstrating its efficacy in water treatment. This innovative evaporator can be considered as a 3D sustainable seawater desalination strategy with potential application prospects.