Given the abundance of solar energy on our planet, advanced composite nanofibers capable of integrating personal thermal management and clean water production in an energy-efficient manner represent a promising area of research. In this study, photothermally active, biodegradable titanium carbide MXene/cellulose composite nanofibers were fabricated
via electrospinning method and were favorably equipped with desirable chemical stability, mechanical performance, structural flexibility, and wettability. Specifically, a 0.1-mm-thick composite nanofiber produced a 5.6 °C-enhancement on the human body in comparison to that of a commercial cotton cloth of 5 times thicker in the same sunlight at an ambient temperature of 11.2°C. Notably, the composite nanofibers demonstrated enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency in a wet state, achieving a conversion efficiency of 87.7%. Correspondingly, such wet nanofibers served as a high-performance steam generator with a superior water evaporation rate of 1.34 kg m
-2 h
-1 under one sun irradiation (1000 W m
-2), and meanwhile remains its performance fitting into solar desalination. These nanofibers with integrated functions enrich a diverse scope of outdoor applications,
e.g. in solar-driven water evaporation and personal heating.
