Organic Network Comprising Sustainable Carbon Dots Upgraded Bacterial Cellulose Evaporator for Interfacial Solar-Driven Water Evaporation

Abstract

Photothermal solar water evaporation presents a sustainable approach to alleviate worldwide clean water scarcity, yet challenges of photothermal efficiency, stability, limited applicability, and fabrication complexity hinder its widespread application. Herein, we present a high-performance photothermal membrane (F-CD-p@BC) fabricated by integrating a carbon-dot-based organic network (F-CD-POR) into bacterial cellulose (BC) using the Alder-Longo reaction. F-CD-p@BC exhibits a superior solar water steam generation performance, longevity, and significant adaptability throughout numerous environments. A hydrophilic three-dimensional interlinked porous network of F-CD-p@BC is advantageous for the fast evaporation of water while reducing heat loss. The fabricated F-CD-p@BC membrane efficiently evaporates water at a 2.3 kg m-2 h-1 rate (1 sun) and also demonstrates high efficacy in desalination, removal of pollutants, and heavy metal ions from wastewater. Long-term stability confirms its durability across cycles, while outdoor experiments validate real-world applicability. Eco-friendly design of F-CD-p@BC provides an energy-efficient solution for water purification in resource-limited regions, opening emerging avenues for advanced photothermal applications. © 2025 American Chemical Society.