Photothermal performance of polymer hydrogels via solar vapor generation for clean water production: a comprehensive review

Serati, Flora and Mohd Zaki, Syazwani and Chin, Wei Lai and Shaari, Norazuawana and Mokhtar, Nadiah and Yusoff, Siti Hajar (2026) Photothermal performance of polymer hydrogels via solar vapor generation for clean water production: a comprehensive review. Polymer Bulletin, 83 (323). pp. 1-41. ISSN 0170-0839 E-ISSN 1436-2449

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Abstract

Solar vapor generation (SVG) is an innovative and sustainable technology that plays a vital role in tackling the pressing issue of global water scarcity. By har-nessing solar energy, SVG offers an effective solution to improve water access and sustainability. Polymeric hydrogels, with their innate hydrophilicity and tunable water transport properties, have emerged as a leading material platform for this ap-plication. However, their native limitations in solar absorption and thermal conduc-tivity constrain overall solar-to-vapor conversion efficiency. This review critically analyzes the material design strategies employed to transform passive hydrogel ma-trices into efficient photothermal materials. The primary focus is on methodologies to maximize light absorption and optimize thermal management. Key approaches include the integration of photothermal nanoabsorbers, the synthesis of intrinsically absorptive copolymer networks, and the fabrication of interpenetrating or composite structures. Furthermore, engineering the polymeric hydrogel network by precisely tuning cross-linking density, porosity, and effectively localize thermal energy at the evaporation front. By synthesizing recent advances, this review establishes a clear connection between material-level modifications and enhanced system-level per-formance, providing a roadmap for the rational design of next-generation hydrogel evaporators. Advancing these material strategies is essential for transitioning SVG from a promising concept into a practical, scalable technology for sustainable water production.

Item Type:	Article (Letter)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Solar vapor generation, polymer, hydrogel, photothermal materials, water purification, clean water production
Subjects:	T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD169 Environmental protection T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD172 Environmental pollution T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP1080 Polymers, plastics and their manufacture
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Syazwani Mohd Zaki
Date Deposited:	06 May 2026 16:44
Last Modified:	06 May 2026 16:46
Queue Number:	2026-04-Q3041
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128149

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