COSMOS MAGAZINE
Engineers in Australia and China have created a sponge-like device that pulls water straight from the air — even in dry regions.
Water from air? It's possible!
With nine sponge cubes, each weighing 0.8 grams, 15 millilitres of water can be absorbed from the atmosphere. Credit: Shu Shu Zheng, RMIT University.
Inspired by balsa wood
The device is made from modified balsa wood and enhanced with smart materials like lithium chloride and carbon nanotubes for super water-absorption.
An invention with a sponge-like material, developed by researchers in Australia and China, absorbs water from the atmosphere and then releases it in a cup using the sun’s energy. Credit: Shu Shu Zheng, RMIT University.
Works in heat, cold, and dry
It performs well in low humidity (as low as 30%) and extreme temperatures —making it perfect for deserts or disaster zones.
Sun-powered & super efficient
Using just sunlight, it collects up to 94% of absorbed water daily — more than most water-from-air technologies out there.
Cheap, biodegradable & ready to scale
This eco-friendly, low-cost invention could soon help remote communities and crisis areas access clean drinking water anywhere.