Ta4C3TX/graphene aerogels with combined photo/electro-thermal conversion performances for multifunctional applications

[Display omitted] •Ta4C3TX/graphene aerogels (TGAs) were prepared with a hydrothermal method.•TGAs show a combined photo/electro-thermal conversion capabilities.•TGAs exhibited high seawater evaporation rate of 1.43 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun.•TGAs achieved an electro-heating temperature of 134.2 °C at 4 V voltage.•TGAs can be utilized in desalination, therapy, deicing, and viscous oil absorption. To address the increasing environmental pollution and health challenges, it is crucial to explore multifunctional materials that leverage synergistic photo/electro-thermal effects. This research introduces innovative Ta4C3TX/graphene aerogels (Ta4C3TX/GAs) with outstanding photo/electro-thermal conversion capabilities for versatile applications. The distinctive structural characteristics of Ta4C3TX/GAs, achieved through a preparation process involving hydrothermal and freeze-drying methods, include a hierarchical porous structure, low density, large specific surface area, and remarkable flexibility. These aerogels exhibit excellent physicochemical properties, such as high sunlight absorption, electrical conductivity, and long-term stability, enabling them to efficiently perform combined photo/electro-thermal functions. Under sunlight irradiation (1 sun), Ta4C3TX/GAs quickly reached a surface temperature of 90.2 °C within 1 min. When subjected to a 4 V voltage, they achieved a high electro-heating temperature of 134.2 °C within 5 s. By leveraging their photo/electro-thermal capabilities, Ta4C3TX/GAs were effectively utilized in seawater steam generation, thermal therapy, deicing, and high-viscosity oil absorption. Notably, for seawater steam generation, these aerogels exhibited a high evaporation rate of 1.43 kg m−2 h−1 with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 90.06 % under 1 sun irradiation. Additionally, Ta4C3TX/GAs have proved to be efficient heaters in photothermal therapy and photo/electro-thermal deicing, with the added benefit of being able to absorb high-viscosity oils due to their photothermal heating capability. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for the advancement of photo/electro-thermal multifunctional aerogel-based materials.