MXene/poly(ionic liquid) porous composite membranes for systematized solar-driven interfacial steam generation

Herein, we established a synthetic route towards MXene/poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) composite porous membranes as a new platform of solar-thermal conversion materials. These membranes were made by a base-triggered ionic crosslinking process between a cationic PIL and a weak polyacid in solution in the presence of dispersed MXene nanosheets. A three-dimensionally interconnected porous architecture was formed with MXene nanosheets uniformly distributed within it. The unique characteristics of the as-produced composite membranes displays significant light-to-heat conversion and excellent performance for solar-driven water vapor generation. This facile synthetic strategy opens a new avenue for developing composite porous membranes as solar absorbers for the solar-driven water production from natural resources.