A device run by solar energy that can create water out of air even in the desert has been invented, reports the Independent.
With the ability to produce 2.8 water litres in 12 hours uses, the device uses only the energy from the sun and a special material. It can work in places where humidity is as low as 20 per cent.
“We wanted to demonstrate that if you are cut off somewhere in the desert, you could survive because of this device,” said Professor Omar Yaghi, who helped create the prototype water harvester.
Professor Yaghi invented 20 years ago the special material made by a type of metal-organic framework. These combine metals like aluminium or magnesium with organic molecules. In addition, the material has zirconium and adipic acid which binds the water vapour.
This is a major milestone in the field and a first in its capacity.
“There is no other way to do that right now, except by using extra energy. Your electric dehumidifier at home ‘produces’ very expensive water,” said Professor Yaghi.
The innovators hope that the water harvester can enable the people to have a water supply without a public supply.
“This work offers a new way to harvest water from air that does not require high relative humidity conditions and is much more energy efficient than other existing technologies,” Professor Wang said, who is part of the team.
