Photothermal hydrogel membranes with asymmetric surface morphologies for stable solar-driven desalination via balancing water transport and evaporation

Key Points

• Hydrogel membranes significantly enhance desalination efficiency by balancing water transport and evaporation rates, leading to stable performance.
• The study reports a remarkable 50% increase in water production compared to traditional methods under similar conditions.
• Assessment of solar-driven desalination utilized photothermal properties and asymmetric surface morphologies to achieve optimal results.
• These findings highlight the potential for innovative approaches in water purification, indicating sustainable solutions for arid regions.