Window-sized device taps the air for safe drinking water
a month ago
- #sustainable-technology
- #water-harvesting
- #MIT-innovation
- 2.2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water, with 46 million affected in the U.S.
- MIT engineers developed a hydrogel-based atmospheric water harvester to capture water vapor from the air.
- The device operates passively, without external power, and works efficiently even in dry desert conditions like Death Valley.
- It produces up to 160 milliliters of clean drinking water per day in low-humidity environments.
- The hydrogel's design includes glycerol to prevent salt leakage, ensuring the water is safe to drink.
- The system's scalability allows for deployment in resource-limited regions, potentially supplying households with water.
- The technology outperforms other passive and some actively powered water harvesters in dry conditions.