2025-06-14T17:30:00Z

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A small wooden cube might soon revolutionize the way we access fresh drinking water, thanks to groundbreaking research conducted by scientists at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). This innovative water harvester is designed to extract moisture from the atmosphere and subsequently release it when exposed to sunlight, making it a potential game-changer for water accessibility.

One of the standout features of this remarkable device is that it operates entirely without electricity. This self-sufficiency is especially significant for regions where power resources are limited, which could greatly enhance water access for millions of people around the globe. Furthermore, the cube is made entirely from wood, a renewable resource that adds to its appeal as an environmentally friendly solution to water scarcity.

The researchers at RMIT achieved this breakthrough by extracting lignin, the compound that provides wood with its rigidity. This process transformed the wood into a spongy material filled with microscopic pores, creating an ideal framework for moisture collection. They then enriched this structure with lithium chloride salt, a substance known for its ability to attract water molecules from the air.

On the opposite side of the cube, a layer of carbon nanotube ink was applied. This innovative ink serves a dual purpose: it not only helps to convert sunlight into heat but also plays a crucial role in transforming the captured moisture into potable water when the device is placed in sunlight.

Unlike many existing water-harvesting technologies that operate effectively only in humid climates, this particular device has proven to function efficiently even in environments with as little as 30% humidity. This capability opens up possibilities in arid regions, such as deserts, where water availability is critically low. During experimental trials, the device successfully captured approximately 2.5 milliliters of water per gram overnight and exhibited an impressive 94% efficiency in releasing the collected water upon exposure to sunlight.

The simplicity of this design, which does not necessitate complex infrastructure, positions it as a sustainable alternative in the quest for accessible water. While other innovations, such as Aquaria’s new water generator, have garnered attention, they often require extensive infrastructure to operate, which limits their practicality in many settings. This wooden cube harvester represents a significant advancement in the field of atmospheric water generation and offers hope for a future where clean drinking water is within reach for everyone.