Scalable sewing textiles with optimized electrothermal utilization for efficient all-day desalination

Solar steam generation (SSG) has been considered a promising technology to address the worldwide water crisis through desalination and condensation. However, the strong dependence on solar radiation leads to evaporation instability and discontinuity in evaporation rates. Hence, it is critical to develop sustainable electrothermal coupled solar steam generation (ESSG) systems and improve energy conversion efficiencies. Herein, a scalable sewing photo-electro-thermal textile (SPET) is customized to enhance energy utilization efficiency during each step of the electrothermal conversion process. Specifically, the moderate voltage input is manipulated to match evaporation energy requirements. Sewing patterns are modified to improve electrothermal conversion efficiency and thermal distribution uniformity. Hence, an outstanding ESSG rate of 2.43 kg m⁻²·h⁻¹ is realized under 2 V DC input and 1 sun radiation. The daily condensate mass reaches about 19.8 L·m⁻² during 30 days of desalination (continuous operation for 24 h per day) without salt accumulation or galvanic corrosion. Overall, SPET with rational electrothermal conversion, thermal distribution, and evaporation utilization efficiencies demonstrate continuous, durable, and efficient ESSG.