Advances of 2D-Enabled Photothermal Materials in Hybrid Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporation Systems toward Water-Fuel-Energy Crisis

The development of a multi-functional solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) system remains a significant challenge for its large-scale applications. By taking advantage of high surface area, excellent young's moduli, anchoring/coupling capability, large absorption surface, strong absorption in the broadband solar spectrum, and efficient photothermal conversion efficiencies of 2D emerging materials (Xenes, Mxenes, etc.), hybrid SDIEs are developed to increase the use of solar energy beyond water production. This work aims to offer a systematic review of the recent advancement in 2D emerging materials except for graphene and their significant role in hybrid SDIEs to stimulate both fundamental and applied research on utilizing the underutilized auxiliary energy sources for future integrated water, energy, and environmental systems. For this purpose, first, the most recent progress in 2D photothermal materials is discussed, mainly including emerging Xenes, MXenes, and TMDs-inspired hybrid SDIEs. Second, structural optimization strategies and modulation of the intrinsic photothermal performances of 2D emerging materials are highlighted. Third, the cutting-edge conceptual designs developed in many hybrid applications such as thermoelectricity, salt recovery, and hydrogen production are broadly presented. Lastly, the current challenges and perspectives of 2D emerging materials and their hybrid evaporation structures are also mentioned. Hybrid solar-driven evaporation systems drive much research enthusiasm due to their potential for solving the global water-fuel-energy crisis. This review summarizes the recent progress in terms of emerging 2D material exploration and multifunctional device system design and provides a systemic generalization for various strategies in this field. The potential challenges and future perspectives are also elaborated.image