Microfluidic‐Directed Photothermal Gel‐Granule Ensembles with Highly Programmable Structures and Functionalities

ABSTRACT Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation by gel‐based materials stands as a promising strategy to alleviate freshwater scarcity. However, the conventional monolithic gel constituted with randomly oriented polymeric walls significantly increases the diffusion/transfer resistance of water and contained matters. Here, we demonstrate a gel‐granule ensemble evaporator, featuring programmatically assembled structures and functionalities, for enhanced solar evaporation and synergistic applications