Abstract: This paper aims to systematically review the research progress of polydopamine (PDA) in solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SIE). A three-tier framework-performance optimization, structural innovation, and sustainable application-was adopted to analyze relevant studies. Strategies for enhancing photothermal conversion efficiency, thermal-mass synergistic regulation, and anti-salting self-cleaning mechanisms in PDA-based evaporators were systematically examined. Structural evolution pathways-from 2D to 3D architectures, Janus heterostructures, and biomimetic suspended designs-were summarized. Moreover, the sustainable potential of PDA systems, including integration with biomass substrates, simultaneous pollutant removal, and long-term operational stability, was evaluated. The results show that, owing to its broadband solar absorption (>95%), strong interfacial adhesion, and facile functionalization, PDA has enabled evaporators with evaporation rates up to 3.71 kg/(m²·h) and apparent photothermal efficiencies exceeding 100% (attributed to additional environmental heat gain). However, scalable manufacturing is hindered by energy-intensive processes, long-term outdoor stability is compromised by UV aging and biofouling, and ecological risks along with standardized evaluation protocols remain underdeveloped. Future efforts should focus on multi-level co-design and full lifecycle assessment to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial implementation.