<p>Lithium is vital for energy transformation, but traditional extraction methods from salt lakes face challenges due to magnesium ion interference. To overcome this, we developed HTO@ZIF, a hybrid nanomaterial that combines titanium hydroxide (HTO) with a zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF), increasing lithium adsorption capacity by 2.5 times compared to pure HTO at pH 8.0. We also designed a solar microevaporator system that enhances lithium recovery while managing the water footprint of hypersaline brines. With 98% solar energy harvesting efficiency, the system raises local temperature, promoting Li⁺ extraction and solar steam generation. The photothermal effect, enhanced water flux, and Li⁺ enrichment in nanospaces lead to a double-enhanced lithium recovery, increasing from 10.95 to 20.29 mg·g⁻¹. The system also accelerates adsorption kinetics, reaching saturation in 4 h, twice as fast as at 295K, improving efficiency while reducing water and carbon consumption, contributing to carbon neutrality goals.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>