Ziyuan Wang#, Huiyue Wang#, Chunhao Lu, Liang Li, Xueying Wen, Guixin Hu, Qingquan Tang*, Guangying Qi, Jiang Gong*, Xin Cui*

Recent progress of multifunctional solar interfacial evaporation systems

Advances in Colloid and Interface Science (2026) Accept. (IF2026 = 23.7)

Solar interfacial evaporation technology as a sustainable clean water production solution has recently shifted its focus from pursuing high evaporation rates to constructing emerging multifunctional solar interfacial evaporation systems (MSIES) that enable the smart integration of water purification, energy utilization, and beyond. This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in MSIES, systematically analyzing the intricate interplay between interfacial mechanisms, material design, and coupled water-energy processes, along with the multi-functional synergistic effects and efficient gains achieved through material innovation and system construction. First, we critically examine state-of-the-art device design paradigms, focusing on the 2D and 3D engineering of solar interfacial evaporators tailored to optimize solar absorption, thermal insulation, and rapid capillary water pumping. Subsequently, this work highlights a pivotal paradigm shift towards the design and construction of MSIES. We systematically elaborate the deep integration of solar evaporation processes with coupled energy conversion and environmental remediation workflows, including simultaneous electrical energy harvesting (via thermoelectric and hydrovoltaic effects), thermal energy storage, advanced remediation of complex wastewater (encompassing refractory pollutant degradation and antibacterial disinfection), sustainable clean fuel synthesis (e.g., photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and carbon dioxide reduction), and high-value resource recovery (including crude oil and precious metal). Finally, we outline current bottlenecks and provide a forward-looking perspective on MSIES. Although MSIES still faces challenges in large-scale preparation, long-term stability, and functional synergy, future research through smart material design, modular system integration, and artificial intelligence optimization is expected to drive MSIES towards higher efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability, providing comprehensive solutions to address global water, energy, and environmental challenges.