Hierarchical Ti3C2/BiVO4 microcapsules for enhanced solar-driven water evaporation and photocatalytic H2 evolution

Desalination processes frequently require a lot of energy to generate freshwater and energy, which depletes resources. Their reliance on each other creates tension between these two vital resources. Herein, hierarchical MXene nanosheets and bismuth vanadate (Ti 3 C 2 /BiVO 4 )-derived microcapsules were synthesized for a photothermal-induced photoredox reaction for twofold applications, namely, solar-driven water evaporation and hydrogen (H 2 ) production. For this purpose, flexible aerogels were fabricated by introducing Ti 3 C 2 /BiVO 4 microcapsules in the polymeric network of natural rubber latex (NRL-Ti 3 C 2 /BiVO 4 ), and a high evaporation rate of 2.01 kg m −2 h −1 was achieved under 1-kW m −2 solar intensity. The excellent performance is attributed to the presence of Ti 3 C 2 /BiVO 4 microcapsules in the polymeric network, which provides balanced hydrophilicity and broadband sun absorption (96 %) and is aimed at plasmonic heating with microscale thermal confinement tailored by heat transfer simulations. Notably, localized plasmonic heating at the catalyst active sites of the Ti 3 C 2 /BiVO 4 heterostructure promotes enhanced photocatalytic H 2 production evolved after 4 h of reaction is 9.39 μmol, which is highly efficient than pure BiVO 4 and Ti 3 C 2 . This method turns the issue of water–fuel crisis into a collaborative connection, presenting avenues to collectively address the anticipated demand rather than fostering competition.