Solar-driven
evaporation of water is a simple and “green”
way to achieve fresh water and water purification, yet evaporation
of bulk liquid using solar energy is rather low in efficiency and
may require a costly optical concentration system. Recently, the technology
has been rejuvenated by advanced nanomaterials for localized solar
heating and rapid evaporation in a confined environment. Design of
innovative nanomaterials enables solar-driven vapor generation featured
with direct utilization of solar energy with no additional energy
input, minimized heat loss, high efficiency, and structural flexibility,
as well as potential scalable production. Controlled micro-/nanostructures
of broadband photothermal nanomaterials, as well as the macroscopic
assembly of desired components, are essential for these next-generation
solar-driven vapor generation systems. In this work, the recent advances
in design and assembly of nanomaterials/structures for optimal solar-driven
vapor generation are reviewed. The design/preparation strategies,
working mechanisms, and performance of the solar-driven vapor generation
based on these nanomaterials are discussed. Strategies for further
optimization of materials/structures for solar absorption, heat management,
and water transport are summarized for solar-driven vapor generation.
This contribution concludes with comments on challenges and future
opportunities in the field.