Toward Sustainable Water Solutions: A Review of Nanomaterials for Solar-Driven Water Harvesting

Abstract

Solar power, as a pivotal renewable energy source, holds immense potential to meet global energy demands sustainably. Efficient solar energy harvesting and conversion are critical, with photothermal processes offering superior efficiency compared to other methods. Recent research highlights advancements in solar-driven photothermal evaporation, focusing on enhancing interfacial liquid-vapor interactions and applying photothermal conversion in atmospheric water harvesting. This is particularly vital for water-scarce regions lacking natural water bodies. Emerging photothermal materials are finding applications in atmospheric water harvesting and dehumidification in controlled environments such as greenhouses and vertical farms, significantly improving water harvesting and recycling efficiency in arid areas. This review offers comprehensive insights into the fundamentals of photothermal technology, discussing its associated phenomena and key controlling parameters. It explores recent advancements in photothermal evaporation technologies, innovative design strategies for maximizing energy conversion, and integrating photothermal materials with phase change materials and adsorbents for solar-driven water harvesting. The review also addresses current challenges, outlines future trends, and highlights significant developments in photothermal materials, solar absorbers, and sustainable water harvesting technologies, particularly for desalination and water harvesting.