Facile preparation of Ta4C3TX/melamine sponges for solar-driven seawater evaporation and pollution treatment applications

The utilization of solar-driven seawater evaporation technology has proven effective for seawater desalination. This study focuses on developing Ta 4 C 3 T X /melamine sponges through a straightforward dipping-drying procedure. The porous melamine sponges, loaded with Ta 4 C 3 T X MXene within their framework, display remarkable elasticity, amphiphilicity, sunlight absorption capacity, and thermal stability due to the synergistic effects of the MXene and the sponge matrix. The Ta 4 C 3 T X /melamine sponges demonstrate superior photothermal conversion performance under sunlight irradiation. Under 1 sun, the sponges recorded an evaporation rate of 1.33 kg∙m −2 h −1 and a conversion efficiency of 83.79 %. Furthermore, outdoor assessments corroborated the sponges' impressive efficacy in seawater evaporation across diverse weather conditions. Significantly, these sponges exhibited self-desalination capabilities and long-term stability throughout the seawater evaporation process. Notably, the photothermal efficiency of the sponges is enhanced in proportion to the content of Ta 4 C 3 T X . Beyond seawater evaporation, these sponges have also demonstrated their effectiveness in applications such as deicing and photothermal therapy applications. Additionally, the sponges demonstrated a capacity to absorb oils and organic solvents, with an absorption capacity ranging between 19 and 55 g∙g −1 . Given their affordability, straightforward fabrication process, sustainability, and effective photothermal performance, the Ta 4 C 3 T X /melamine sponges present new opportunities for the development of multifunctional materials aimed at desalination and pollution remediation.