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Solar-powered water treatment technology is gaining increasing importance as one solution to ameliorate water resource deficits. This study presents a novel approach of synergistically combining interface solar vaporization technology with low-cost sorption techniques to better enable resource recovery in the water treatment process. After preparation of a halloysite nanotube-based hydrogel, it was subjected to 1 sun illumination. The prepared hydrogel demonstrated an evaporation rate and evaporation efficiency of 2.97 kg/m2·h and 93.2%, respectively, with ideal salt and stain resistance. Under the synergistic effect of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), the hydrogel efficiently sorbed Li+ at a rate and maximum capacity of 84.15% and 168.3 mg/g, respectively during the solar vaporization process. This study also discussed the main interactions between Li+ and hydrogel sorbents. The results of this study providing a novel and promising approach for concurrent water treatment and Li+ extraction. Schematic diagram of the NPH evaporative and sorption mechanism [Display omitted] • The synthesized hydrogel (PPy@HNTs/PVA) has full spectrum light absorption, low enthalpy of evaporation and excellent sorption property. • The hydrogel exhibits an evaporation rate of 2.97 kg/m2·h under one sun, with an impressive evaporation efficiency of up to 93.2%. • Adsorption kinetics and isotherm of the hydrogel were investigated. The hydrogel reached sorption equilibrium within 5 min, and achieved a Li+ sorption rate of 84.15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]