In the grim situation of global water shortages and environmental pollution, it is necessary to find a clean way to obtain clean water. Solar energy is an inexhaustible, clean and pollution⁃free energy source. Its applications include photothermal, photovoltaic, photocatalytic oxidation, etc. Among them, photothermal is the most efficient way of energy conversion. Carbon material, as a material which has been paid attention to in recent years, has many advantages, such as convenient approach, low price and environmental friendliness.The carbon materials and composites with good photothermal effect which have been studied at home and abroad in recent years are reported, and some new research ideas and materials which can be used for photothermal conversion are also reported.