Multi-strategy coupling of custom hydrogel evaporators for sustained, high-efficiency clean water production and anti-pollution

The emergence of hydrogel evaporators has greatly improved the evaporation rate and has attracted widespread attention. However, single-strategy design yields limited evaporation rates and anti-fouling properties, restricting their utility. Here, we report a superhydrophilic interconnected porous hydrogel (SIPH) evaporator that incorporates multiple strategirs. This design enhances water transport, light absorption , and heat localization, reducing heat loss from the evaporating surfaces. By modulating polymer network-water interactions with −NH 2 groups, we achieved a high proportion of activated water, lowering the evaporation enthalpy to about one-third that of pure water. Based on this diversified design, SIPH achieves a high evaporation rate of 4.80 kg m −2 h −1 under one sun. Moreover, SIPH demonstrates excellent stability in various water qualities and long-lasting anti-pollution properties, offering significant practical application potential.