A holistic ambifunctional all-in-one device for water harvesting and evaporating round-the-clock

Freshwater scarcity and water quality issues pose significant constraints on societal development and progress. The critical tasks of water collection and treatment are of utmost importance. However, an integrated device that combines both functions has not garnered substantial interest. Herein, we have crafted a multifunctional, integrated device that concurrently addresses the challenges of water collection and purification. The device comprises a water collection module and an integrated interface solar water evaporator. The water collection system is built with a multifunctional hygroscopic aerogel felt and a specialized collection unit featuring an innovative groove pattern. The solar-driven water evaporation component comprises aerogel felt embedded with a FeCo2O4/polypyrrole composite photothermal material, as well as a biomimetic, root-like water conveyance device designed for efficient water transport. The device achieves broad-spectrum high light absorption, robust water transport capability, and precise thermal energy management through the optimized light absorber, the architectural design of evaporator and the engineering of water conveyance network. The system exhibited an impressive water absorption rate of 4.76 g g−1, along with a substantial water evaporation rate of 3.54 kg m−2 h−1 under one Sun illumination. In the outdoor experiment with an average irradiation intensity of about 0.5 Sun, 1 m2 can produce 6.5 L of water in 6 h, which is fully enough for a family of three to meet the daily drinking water needs, thereby addressing water scarcity issues and supporting the execution of sustainable development initiatives.