Self-floating gelatin aerogel integrated urchin-like MoS2/Mo5N6/C with hybrid photothermal enhancement for salt-resistant solar desalination

Solar-driven steam generation is widely considered as a promising strategy for desalination. However, before this technology can be practically implemented, certain challenges such as suboptimal steam generation rates and inevitable salt deposition need to be addressed. In this study, we propose a novel bilayer structure aerogel (MS-aerogel), which confines urchin-like MoS 2 /Mo 5 N 6 /C in a biomass gelatin substrate to achieve high-efficiency desalination in high concentration brine solutions. The urchin-like MoS 2 /Mo 5 N 6 /C that hybrid semiconductor MoS 2 , plasmonic Mo 5 N 6 and porous carbon performs superior light-to-heat conversion performance to its individual components. Additionally, under the collaborative action of hydrophilic groups and unique nanostructured surface, the MoS 2 /Mo 5 N 6 /C exhibits a notable reduction in interface evaporation enthalpy from 2405.8 to 1694.6 J g −1 . Taking into consideration the comprehensive thermal management performance, the self-floating MS-aerogel achieves an excellent evaporation rate of 1.89 kg m -2 h −1 under one sun irradiation. Furthermore, the vertically aligned vessels present in the MS-aerogel facilitate salt transportation, effectively preventing crystalline salt accumulation on the evaporator surface. Consequently, even after continuous 12 h desalination in 20 wt% brine, the MS-aerogel maintains an outstanding evaporation rate of 1.54 kg m -2 h −1 , surpassing most reported self-floating evaporators. This research offers a valuable reference for the design of high-efficiency and salt-resistant solar evaporators.