Water from air using a gel
In one of the driest places on Earth — Chile’s Atacama Desert — a team of scientists has successfully harvested clean drinking water using nothing but sunlight and a novel sponge-like material. The breakthrough could revolutionize water access for arid regions around the globe.
Pulling water from air
The device relies on a spongy hydrogel that acts like a water magnet. During the cool, humid nights, the gel absorbs moisture from the air. Then, as the desert sun rises, solar energy heats the gel, causing it to release the trapped moisture. The evaporated water condenses on a surface and can be collected — clean, drinkable, and entirely off-grid.
Related: Maria Telkes who pioneered water from air
Even in the Atacama — where some regions see less than 1 mm of rain annually — the system was able to produce 0.6 liters of water per square meter per day. Over time, that could be enough to provide a meaningful supply of water for households or farms without requiring electricity or plumbing.
The prototype system is low-maintenance and scalable, with projected costs of around $150 per square meter of solar panel. And with an estimated lifespan of 20 years, the technology offers a potentially affordable solution for communities facing chronic water shortages.
While not yet ready for mass deployment, the project highlights how combining simple materials with renewable energy can unlock vital resources from the air itself — even in the harshest environments on Earth.
Author: Bhok Thompson
Bhok Thompson is an “eco-tinkerer” who thrives at the intersection of sustainability, business, and cutting-edge technology. With a background in mechanical engineering and a deep fascination with renewable energy, Bhok has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that bridge environmental consciousness with profitability. A frequent contributor to Green Prophet, Bhok writes about futuristic green tech, urban sustainability, and the latest trends in eco-friendly startups. His passion for engineering meets his love for business as he mentors young entrepreneurs looking to create scalable, impact-driven companies. Beyond his work, Bhok is an avid collector of vintage mechanical watches, believing they represent an era of precision and craftsmanship that modern technology often overlooks. Reach out: [email protected]
