Recent advances in conducting polymers for hybrid solar-driven evaporation systems: Fundamentals, innovations, and applications

Abstract

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) has emerged as a sustainable solution for addressing global water scarcity and energy challenges. This review comprehensively examines the integration of conducting polymers (CPs) into hybrid solar-driven evaporation systems, synergizing them with complementary energy resources to enhance efficiency and multifunctionality. First, we systematically classify key CPs such as polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PANI), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), detailing their synthesis methods, structural properties, and inherent challenges such as stability and scalability. Then, the focus shifted toward the design and fabrication of CP-based photothermal evaporators (foam, wood, hydrogel, aerogel, membrane, and plant-based systems), which are critically analyzed, alongside vapor generation mechanisms under varying solar irradiance. Recent advancements in optimizing evaporator performance through material engineering and hybrid energy inputs are highlighted, offering pathways to improve evaporation rates and energy utilization. Beyond water production, the applications of CP-based photothermal materials (PTMs) are explored in desalination, water purification, and solar-driven photocatalysis, underscoring their versatility. Challenges, including long-term durability, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness, are addressed, with proposed strategies for scalable manufacturing and integration with smart technologies. By contextualizing this review against existing literature, we emphasize its unique focus on CP-driven hybrid systems and their multifunctional applications. This work provides a roadmap for advancing SDIE technologies toward practical implementation, advocating interdisciplinary approaches to overcome current limitations and harness CPs' full potential in sustainable energy-water nexus solutions.

Keywords Conducting polymers, Solar evaporation ,Hybrid integration, Freshwater , Fuel-energy