In Situ MXene Anchored Structure for Highly Durable Solar Steam Generation

As a promising fresh water harvesting technology, interfacial solar steam generation has attracted growing interest. Efficient solar absorption and long-term operational performance are critical requirements of this technology. However, developing robust evaporators to promote practical applications under extreme conditions is still a grand challenge. Herein, we propose a light-assisted strategy to in situ prepare a Ti₃C₂T_x MXene anchored structure (MXAS) for enhanced solar evaporation with superior mechanical properties (compressive strength of 78.47 MPa, which can withstand a pressure of 3.92 × 10⁶ times its own weight). Light irradiation enlarges the interlayer spacing of MXene and improves the solar absorption capability. Under one sun, the three-dimensional MXAS evaporator exhibits a steam generation rate of 2.48 kg m^–2 h^–1and an evaporation efficiency of 89.3%, and it demonstrates long-term durability when testing in seawater. This strategy provides valuable insights into the potential application of a high-performance water evaporation system.