A customizable woven asymmetric fabric for efficient synergistic water-electricity coproduction from saltwater

Water and energy are indispensable pillars of human civilization, yet both face mounting challenges due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. Enhancing the efficiency of water and energy systems and reducing their environmental impact are thus critical to achieving a low-carbon, water-secure future. This study introduces a novel, scalable and adjustable water-electricity coproduction fabric (PP-WECF) developed via an accessible shuttle-flying weaving technique. The PP-WECF integrates PEDOT:PSS fibers, which serve as a transpiration-driven electrokinetic power generator, with hydrophilic fibers that channel water, and PANI fibers that enable solar-driven steam generation. The integration of PEDOT:PSS fibers and PANI fibers for PP-WECF facilitates sustainable operation and synergistic energy utilization. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that solar illumination of 1 kW·m⁻², the PP-WECF shows an efficient, self-operating, and sustainable output of 1.1 V, 116.0 μA, and 1.6 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The scalable, prolonged, and adaptable outdoor operation throughout the daytime ensures the clean production of electricity and freshwater.