Liquid Metal–Polyphenol Hybrids for Solar Steam Generation

The combination of liquid gallium nanoparticles, graphene, and a metal‐phenolic gel creates a unique architecture that can act as a highly efficient broad–spectrum solar light absorber. The resulting composite applied for solar steam generation can produce clean water with an evaporation rate of 3.4 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 Sun illumination from seawater. Abstract Interfacial solar steam generation has emerged as a promising strategy for sustainable water desalination; however, achieving high efficiency under practical conditions remains a significant challenge. Here, a natural polyphenol‐based gel composite incorporating liquid gallium particles and graphene is presented, engineered for high‐performance solar‐driven desalination. This synergistic combination enables broadband light absorption, heat localization, and rapid water transport. Graphene and the polyphenol gel matrix enhance light absorption and solar‐to‐heat conversion, while liquid gallium serves to localize heat; the gel structure facilitates water retention and vapor escape. These features are critical for maximizing solar energy utilization and sustaining continuous water evaporation under real‐world conditions. Under one sun irradiation, the system achieves an evaporation rate of 4.8 kg m−2 h−1 for deionized water and 3.4 kg m−2 h−1 for seawater. These findings highlight the potential of such multifunctional gel composites in addressing global freshwater scarcity through scalable and energy‐efficient desalination technologies. The combination of liquid gallium nanoparticles, graphene, and a metal-phenolic gel creates a unique architecture that can act as a highly efficient broad–spectrum solar light absorber. The resulting composite applied for solar steam generation can produce clean water with an evaporation rate of 3.4 kg m −2 h −1 under 1 Sun illumination from seawater. Abstract Interfacial solar steam generation has emerged as a promising strategy for sustainable water desalination; however, achieving high efficiency under practical conditions remains a significant challenge. Here, a natural polyphenol-based gel composite incorporating liquid gallium particles and graphene is presented, engineered for high-performance solar-driven desalination. This synergistic combination enables broadband light absorption, heat localization, and rapid water transport. Graphene and the polyphenol gel matrix enhance light absorption and solar-to-heat conversion, while liquid gallium serves to localize heat; the gel structure facilitates water retention and vapor escape. These features are critical for maximizing solar energy utilization and sustaining continuous water evaporation under real-world conditions. Under one sun irradiation, the system achieves an evaporation rate of 4.8 kg m −2 h −1 for deionized water and 3.4 kg m −2 h −1 for seawater. These findings highlight the potential of such multifunctional gel composites in addressing global freshwater scarcity through scalable and energy-efficient desalination technologies. Advanced Science, Volume 12, Issue 48, December 29, 2025.