Global warming and water scarcity in various regions of the world challenge scientists to devise new ways to solve the problem.
Researchers at the University of California (USA) have developed and tested a device that can harvest water molecules from the air using energy from sunlight.
The key element of the device is an ultraporous metal-organic structure (MOF) made up of metal atoms and organic molecules, whose porosity makes it possible to trap water molecules in conditions of low air humidity and then evaporate them, in such a way that flow into the device, according to a statement from the university.
According to the group of scientists, alternative materials, such as hydrogels, zeolites or salts, do not work simultaneously in circumstances of low humidity, using energy efficiently and with great capacity. Instead, since MOF-powered collectors can, they are a powerful tool for solving scarcity in everything from drinking water to agricultural use.
Also, in areas where water is plentiful but of poor quality, this method can be used to improve it.
The device is compact in dimensions compared to previous MOF models and can fit in a handbag.
The operation of the device was tested in one of the driest deserts in America, Death Valley in the Mojave desert, located in southeastern California, where temperatures range from 21.9 °C to 60.7 °C and relative humidity ranges from 9.4% to 36%. Under such extreme conditions, the device was able to collect up to 285 grams of water per day, which is equivalent to a glass, according to an article published in the journal Nature Water. with RT