In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize water access in arid regions, researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) have unveiled a new technology capable of pulling substantial amounts of water from the air in low-humidity environments. This innovation, which promises to help address water scarcity issues exacerbated by megadroughts, offers a sustainable solution for water-stressed areas like the American Southwest.
Published on October 22 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research titled “High-yield atmospheric water capture via bioinspired material segregation” represents a significant advancement in atmospheric water harvesting technology. Led by UNLV mechanical engineering professor H. Jeremy Cho, the team’s breakthrough could transform how we think about water generation, particularly in regions where traditional water sources are dwindling.
Traditional methods for extracting water from the atmosphere often struggle to provide reliable yields, particularly in low-humidity environments where air moisture is scarce. Most current systems become inefficient and yield minimal results below 30% humidity. However, Cho’s team has developed a radically new approach that captures water more effectively even at levels as low as 10% humidity—a significant milestone in the field.
“We’ve demonstrated that we can capture water at a very fast rate,” Cho said. “If we have just one square meter of surface area, which is roughly 3 feet by 3 feet, we can generate about a gallon of water per day in Las Vegas, and up to three times more in more humid environments.”
This technology is already showing promise in real-world tests. The system has been successfully trialed outdoors in Las Vegas, and researchers believe it could offer viable solutions for arid regions struggling with water shortages. The key innovation involves a liquid salt solution that directly captures water from the air, which can then be processed into drinking water or used for energy production.
At the heart of this breakthrough is a hydrogel membrane “skin” that mimics nature’s own water-collection mechanisms. Cho and his team drew inspiration from the way certain creatures and plants, such as tree frogs and air plants, collect and store water from the atmosphere. These natural organisms use unique methods to absorb moisture, which Cho’s team has replicated in an engineered material.
“We took that biological idea and adapted it for our own use,” Cho explained. “Nature has so many amazing solutions to the world’s problems; you just have to look around and learn from it.”
The hydrogel membrane functions as a kind of “skin” for the system, enabling it to absorb water from the air and transport it into a liquid solution, where it can then be captured and processed. This approach allows for the extraction of water even in arid conditions, where other systems would fail to produce usable moisture.
Adding another layer of sustainability to the system, Cho’s team has shown that the technology can be solar-powered. With the abundance of sunlight in regions like the Las Vegas Valley, which enjoys an average of 300 sunny days a year, this technology could be powered by renewable energy, further reducing costs and making the process more efficient.
This ability to harness solar power is particularly important for regions facing both water scarcity and energy challenges. By combining solar power with water capture technology, Cho believes this solution could drastically reduce the cost and environmental impact of producing potable water.
Cho’s vision for the future is clear: “Our water resources are depleting, and our planet’s climate is changing. To reach sustainability, we have to change our habits.” The ability to harvest water from the air, particularly in areas with minimal natural water sources, could be a critical tool in addressing global water shortages.
“This idea seemed like science fiction just a few years ago, but it’s now becoming a reality,” Cho said. “We’re actually doing it.”
As climate change continues to stress water supplies across the globe, innovations like this offer hope for sustainable solutions that could help provide clean water to communities in need, particularly in water-scarce regions that have been hardest hit by droughts and environmental challenges.
By Impact Lab
