Researchers have developed an innovative wood-based sponge capable of extracting water from dry air at humidity levels as low as 15%, The Times of India reports. A team of scientists created an efficient and environmentally friendly device to extract drinking water directly from the atmosphere, according to infohub.kz.
The development is based on specially treated wood with a porous structure. The natural material was modified with hygroscopic salts, which dramatically enhanced its ability to absorb moisture from the environment.
The key feature of the new invention is its high performance even in extremely dry conditions. The sponge can efficiently collect condensation at relative humidity levels starting from 15%. According to published test results, one kilogram of the material can produce up to 1.72 liters of clean drinking water per day, making the technology indispensable for arid regions.
Releasing the collected moisture requires little energy. To extract the accumulated water, the sponge simply needs to be heated by natural sunlight. The project's authors note that using readily available renewable materials makes the technology inexpensive to produce and opens broad prospects for its application in areas facing drinking water shortages.