Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) is an emerging technology with significant potential for addressing global water scarcity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of base materials, recent innovations in photothermal materials, and the design of evaporators for effective water desalination and purification. The recent development of SIE is discussed in detail, highlighting key performance indicators and state-of-the-art materials. Novel strategies for enhancing the efficiency and scalability of SIE systems are also examined, including the use of photothermal materials and innovative device configurations. The review also discusses existing challenges and future research directions, emphasizing the potential of SIE in addressing global water scarcity and contributing to a sustainable future. Key materials for SIE include carbon-based materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon black, metal-based materials like gold and silver, metal oxides such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, semiconductors like copper sulfide and molybdenum disulfide, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) such as Cu-benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC) and ZIF-8. These materials are evaluated based on their light absorption, thermal conductivity, wettability, and resistance to corrosion and fouling. The selection of materials is influenced by their thermal and mechanical properties, including thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. Device assembly strategies are crucial for the efficiency and performance of SIE systems. These strategies include maximizing solar absorption, minimizing heat loss, and enhancing vapor generation and transport. Advanced nanostructured materials and innovative device configurations, such as floating devices, membrane-based systems, and 2D designs, have been developed to improve the efficiency and scalability of SIE systems. Recent advancements in SIE include the development of hybrid membranes, bilayer evaporators, and aerogel-based evaporators, which demonstrate high efficiency and effectiveness in water purification. These advancements highlight the potential of SIE in sustainable water desalination and energy generation. However, challenges such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and long-term stability must be addressed to fully realize the potential of SIE technology.Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) is an emerging technology with significant potential for addressing global water scarcity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of base materials, recent innovations in photothermal materials, and the design of evaporators for effective water desalination and purification. The recent development of SIE is discussed in detail, highlighting key performance indicators and state-of-the-art materials. Novel strategies for enhancing the efficiency and scalability of SIE systems are also examined, including the use of photothermal materials and innovative device configurations. The review also discusses existing challenges and future research directions, emphasizing the potential of SIE in addressing global water scarcity and contributing to a sustainable future. Key materials for SIE include carbon-based materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon black, metal-based materials like gold and silver, metal oxides such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, semiconductors like copper sulfide and molybdenum disulfide, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) such as Cu-benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC) and ZIF-8. These materials are evaluated based on their light absorption, thermal conductivity, wettability, and resistance to corrosion and fouling. The selection of materials is influenced by their thermal and mechanical properties, including thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. Device assembly strategies are crucial for the efficiency and performance of SIE systems. These strategies include maximizing solar absorption, minimizing heat loss, and enhancing vapor generation and transport. Advanced nanostructured materials and innovative device configurations, such as floating devices, membrane-based systems, and 2D designs, have been developed to improve the efficiency and scalability of SIE systems. Recent advancements in SIE include the development of hybrid membranes, bilayer evaporators, and aerogel-based evaporators, which demonstrate high efficiency and effectiveness in water purification. These advancements highlight the potential of SIE in sustainable water desalination and energy generation. However, challenges such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and long-term stability must be addressed to fully realize the potential of SIE technology.