A group of researchers at MIT has developed a device capable of recovering water from the air in significantly reduced times. Unlike traditional atmospheric water harvesting systems, which require prolonged heating to release the moisture absorbed by the materials, the new approach uses ultrasonic vibrations to speed up the process.
How ultrasound technology works
The heart of the device is an ultrasonic actuator, consisting of a flat ceramic ring that vibrates when an electrical voltage is applied, generating waves exceeding 20,000 hertz, above the human hearing threshold. These high-frequency vibrations disturb the molecular bonds of the water retained in the absorbent material, releasing drops of water which are conveyed to collection containers through small openings. MIT engineers describe the phenomenon as a “motion that recalls an invisible dance between waves and molecules”.
During laboratory tests, coin-sized samples of material were completely dried within minutes, while traditional methods take tens of minutes or hours. Efficiency was found to be 45 times higher than heat-based systems, ensuring rapid and constant release of water.
Practical applications and prospects for domestic and community use
The device requires an electrical source, but the researchers envision the use of small solar panels for autonomous operation. This would allow repeated cycles of water absorption and release throughout the day, increasing overall production and making the technology particularly suitable for arid or remote areas.
The developers envision a device the size of a window, capable of capturing moisture even in dry climates and providing drinking water locally without complex infrastructure. This innovation could become an essential tool for both homes and small settlements that do not have reliable water sources, opening up new perspectives for sustainable water management.
Sources: Nature Communications / MIT News
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