Eco‐Intelligent Photothermal Systems at the Water‐ Energy Nexus Forge a New Era of Freshwater Generation

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Abstract
The escalating global water crisis necessitates the development of sustainable and energy‐efficient freshwater generation technologies that reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The burgeoning field of photothermal desalination offers a promising paradigm shift within the water–energy nexus, utilizing solar energy for water purification. This review systematically examines the multifaceted advancements in photothermal desalination, emphasizing the pivotal role of interfacial heating over bulk heating in enhancing energy efficiency. We delineate the relevance of osmoregulatory strategies observed in mangrove ecosystems, presenting them as bio‐inspired paradigms for augmenting freshwater production under hypersaline conditions. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive overview of diverse photothermal materials and evaporator architectures that influence overall performance, including light absorption, heat localization, and water transport. Furthermore, we discussed the current strategies to mitigate salt blockage or fouling, a critical issue that can degrade system performance and longevity. Finally, the review connects photothermal desalination research to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and highlights current global efforts and governmental investments driving this technology forward. Herein, we aim to foster the future innovation and development efforts toward more robust, efficient, and scalable photothermal desalination solutions for sustainable freshwater production.

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