Structure integration and architecture of solar-driven interfacial desalination from miniaturization designs to industrial applications

Solar desalination holds great promise for addressing global water scarcity and reducing carbon footprints. In recent years, thermally localized solar interfacial desalination processes have attracted much attention due to their efficient water evaporation potential. Previous efforts have focused on developing novel photothermal materials and optimizing thermal management to increase system evaporation rates. However, the water production rate of a desalination device is mainly independent of its evaporator performance, which makes it challenging to translate improved system evaporation rates into actual water production rates. This Review discusses the significance of steam condensation in promoting water production and emphasizes the importance of latent heat recovery. We highlight the industrial design of the desalination system, application scenarios, current limitations and potential costs. Furthermore, we present the potential of hybrid drive solutions for the future design of interference-resistant, fast-response, all-weather desalination systems. This Review aims to provide guidance for the development of high-performance solar desalination integrated devices and their large-scale industrial applications.