In a groundbreaking development, researchers at MIT have created an innovative device capable of extracting potable water from the air, even in extremely arid conditions like California's Death Valley. This passive device, resembling a window panel, utilizes a hydrogel material to absorb water vapor from the atmosphere.
The hydrogel, structured like bubble wrap with dome-shaped formations, expands upon absorbing water vapor. As the captured vapor evaporates, the domes shrink, allowing the water to condense on a cooled glass layer, where it's collected and extracted via a tube.
During tests in Death Valley, the device produced up to 160 milliliters of potable water daily without any external energy sources. This technology offers a promising solution for communities facing limited access to safe drinking water, potentially revolutionizing water management in drought-stricken areas.