The rise of solar steam generation is an effective strategy to mitigate clean water shortages. However, achieving further improvements in conversion efficiency and stability remains a challenge. Here, 1T/2H-MoS2 nanosheets were uniformly assembled on activated carbon fiber cloth (A-CFC) through a facial hydrothermal method, and a three-dimensional (3D)-artificial transpiration device (ATD) was prepared using the plant transpiration process. The combination of activated carbon fiber cloth and 1T/2H phase MoS2 exhibits high light absorption (∼97.5%), excellent mechanical stability, large evaporation area, and easy escape of vapor. Additionally, the 3D hollow cone of the MoS2/carbon fiber cloth can effectively reduce radiative and convective energy loss and then achieve the enhancement of energy collection from the environment. An outstanding evaporation rate of 1.61 kg·m-2·h-1 with an optimum conversion efficiency of 97% under one sun is reached. Based on the facile fabrication, excellent stability, and high solar conversion efficiency, this nature-inspired design of 3D 1T/2H-MoS2/A-CFC is expected to facilitate large-scale applications for seawater purification and desalination.
Keywords: 1T/2H-MoS2; 3D artificial transpiration device; carbon fiber cloth; mechanical stability; solar steam generation.