3D Vascular-structured Flame-retardant Cellulose-based photothermal aerogel for Solar-driven interfacial evaporation and wastewater purification

•Cellulose aerogels with vascular structure were designed and used as solar-driven multifunctional evaporator.•The CZM3 aerogel demonstrated a high evaporation rate of 2.034 Kg·m−2·h−1 and an efficiency of 139.4%.•The removal rate of CZM aerogels for heavy metals (Cu2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+) reached 81.6 %∼98.2 %.•The PHRR and THR of CZM3 aerogel was reduced by 75.2% and 69.9%, exhibiting superior fire safety.