In an increasingly thirsty planet, where the global water emergency becomes more real every day, A small technological revolution comes from the science of materials. A team of engineers from the United States, Chile and Ireland has developed a device based on a hygroscopic hydrogel capable of collecting water from the air Surprisingly efficiently, even in the most extreme conditions. The study, published in the magazine Devicemarks an important turning point for the technologies of Atmospheric Water Harvesting (Sawh).
A device that captures humidity at night and releases water during the day thanks to the heat of the sun
So far, many research has focused on improving absorbent materials, such as MOF (Metal-Organic Framework). This time, however, the working group has chosen a different approach :.
The heart of the device is a hydrogel capable of absorbing water vapor during night hours, when air humidity is higher. Then, during the day, The heat of the sun is used to evaporate the retained waterwhich is thus conveyed in a container. A technology that works with the natural rhythm of the day and night, without the need for electricity or pumpsand which can represent a concrete alternative for those who live in arid or devoid of access to drinking water.
But the real novelty lies in composite used. The hydrogel was made by combining Poliacrilaamamide reticulated (PAM) with Lithium chloride (LICL)a highly hygroscopic salt that allows the material to attract the water vapor faster. Compared to other MOF -based devices, The absorption speed is ten times higher.
In addition to the chemical composition, the team also worked on the engineering of the device, optimizing the thickness of the hydrogel And The distance of the air intercavine between the material and the collection chamber. These precautions have allowed us to maximize the efficiency of the process without increasing its complexity or costs.
It works in the desert and also in the city
The field tests were more than encouraging. The device was tested in the Atacama desert, in Chile, one of the driest places in the world. Despite the night humidity, it fell up to 11%, However, the plant managed to collect waterdemonstrating its effectiveness even in extreme conditions.
With a humidity of 30%, daily production has come down to Two liters of water a day. Also the tests conducted in urban environments – such as on the roof of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – They gave excellent results: 1.7 liters per square meter per day with a humidity of 50%.
This type of technology, economic, sustainable and autonomouscould represent one concrete solution for millions of people which live in areas affected by drought or with limited access to safe water sources. It is also a perfect example of how innovation and respect for natural rhythms can coexist and generate real positive impacts, in harmony with the environment.
