Researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne, in collaboration with Zhejiang A&F University and five other Chinese institutions, have developed a groundbreaking sponge-like device that pulls water from the air with remarkable efficiency. Notably, this innovation functions effectively across a wide range of humidity levels (30–90%) and temperatures (5–55°C), making it suitable for diverse environments.
Key Features of the Smart Sponge Device
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Compact Design: The device measures smaller than a paper clip, which enhances its portability and potential for widespread use.
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Material Composition: The researchers constructed it from refined balsa wood and infused it with lithium chloride, iron oxide nanoparticles, and a carbon nanotube layer. As a result, the material actively absorbs moisture from the air and releases it when exposed to sunlight.
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Solar-Powered Operation: Importantly, the device uses solar energy to release the collected water into a cup, eliminating the need for external power sources.
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High Efficiency: In lab tests, the device absorbed about 2 milliliters of water per gram of material at 90% humidity and released nearly all of it within 10 hours of sunlight exposure. Furthermore, outdoor tests showed it could collect water with 94% efficiency daily.
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Durability: Even after researchers stored the sponge at -20°C for 20 days, it retained its water-absorbing capabilities. This shows strong freeze resistance.
Potential Applications
This innovative device offers tremendous potential for supplying clean water in remote or dry areas where traditional water sources are limited. Moreover, its small size and solar-powered design make it ideal for emergencies like natural disasters, where clean drinking water can be hard to find.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to scale up production and integrate the device into modular systems for harvesting water. Consequently, this could significantly expand its impact on global water access.
In conclusion, this breakthrough represents a powerful step forward in addressing global water scarcity through smart and sustainable innovation.
