Exploring the evolution of solar-driven interfacial evaporation: Bibliometric and trends analyses

The interfacial solar evaporation (ISE) field has gained significant attention since its emergence due to its potential for harnessing solar radiation and developing novel photothermal materials. The present study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore ISE research over the past decade from 2014 up to November 2024, using VOSviewer software and Bibliometrix package. Key metrics such as publication trends, affiliation, countries, keyword analysis, citations, and dynamic mapping were examined. The results showed a remarkable growth in the research output, with an impressive cumulative annual growth rate of 43.35 % and publications peaking in 2024. Desalination journal emerged as a leading source with 112 publications. Countries like China, the United States, and Australia have demonstrated a strong interest in this field. Keyword analysis revealed that terms like evaporation, desalination, steam generators, light absorption, photothermal, and water absorption are the most frequently used words. Materials such as graphene, carbon, cellulose, hydrogels, and biomass are often featured in ISE research. The conclusions and remarks presented can offer scholars a quantitative understanding of the interdisciplinary and multi-perspective approaches, highlighting the trends and advancements in the field.