Abstract: A solar evaporator with simple fabrication process, exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency and dependable, continuous water evaporation holds significant potential for seawater desalination and wastewater treatment. Despite the substantial research dedicated to developing high-efficiency solar evaporators, there remains a need for additional exploration to tackle concerns such as salt crystallization, low evaporation efficiency, poor durability and stability. Here, an efficient water transport PVA hydrogel (water transport layer) and polydopamine/carbon black modified 3D raised-fabric (photothermal layer) are innovatively designed as solar evaporators. The synergistic effect between the periodic fluting structure and polydopamine/carbon black results in outstanding photothermal conversion capabilities of PDA/CB@RF. Meanwhile, the porous structure of PVA hydrogel and its vertically aligned channels facilitate ion exchange, ensuring a consistent water supply to the photothermal layer. This phenomenon serves to prevent the accumulation of salt in the photothermal layer, thereby markedly enhancing the water evaporation capability of the PDA/CB@RF evaporator. The results demonstrated that the PDA/CB@RF evaporator system exhibits excellent photothermal conversion performance, with its surface temperature rapidly ascending to 73.3 ℃ under 1sun light intensity, effectively boosting the water evaporation rate (1.73 kg m-2 h-1, 1 sun). Furthermore, the PDA/CB@RF evaporator exhibited excellent conversion efficiency (91.9%) and self-desalting capabilities. This solar evaporator system, featuring a 3D raised fabric design, integrates light and thermal energy, water evaporation and self-desalting functionalities. The consistent water evaporation and collection make it hold the potential to solve the pressing challenge of water shortage.