3D CMF/MXene/CuS Composite Aerogel for High-Efficiency Solar-Driven Interfacial Water Evaporation

Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource with strong potential for sustainable vapor generation and desalination. However, conventional desalination technologies are limited by high energy consumption, low water quality, and high cost. In this study, a novel 3D photothermal aerogel composed of carbonized melamine foam (CMF), Ti3C2-MXene nanosheets, and CuS nanoparticles was developed. The CMF/Ti3C2-MXene/CuS composite exhibits excellent solar absorption and efficient saltwater evaporation performance. A solar-driven evaporation system was fabricated using this composite, and the effects of material composition, light intensity, and structural design on interfacial evaporation were systematically investigated. Under 1 kW·m⁻² solar illumination, the aerogel achieved a high evaporation rate of 2.279 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ and an apparent evaporation efficiency of 116.3%, surpassing the most reported literatures. Moreover, the system demonstrated excellent cycling stability, maintaining an evaporation rate of approximately 2.18 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ after seven cycles. These results highlight the potential of the CMF/Ti3C2-MXene/CuS composite as a promising photothermal material for efficient seawater desalination and solar-driven water purification.