• Three-dimensional monolithic carbon-based photothermal materials offer low cost, high solar absorption, tunable structure, and high evaporation rates, making them ideal for solar-driven interfacial water evaporation (SVG).
• Interfacial heating systems achieve the highest evaporation efficiency (>80%) compared to bottom and volumetric heating, due to localized heat at the air-water interface.
• The review systematically categorizes four types of 3D monolithic carbon-based materials and their design principles, providing a roadmap for future material development.
• Key design factors for efficient SVG include water transport, thermal management, salt rejection, and structural optimization, which are critical for practical desalination applications.