Scientists Create Magic Sponge That Converts Seawater Into Drinkable Water Without Using Energy or Expensive Equipment, Only Sunlight

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 03/07/2025 at 22:02

Updated on 03/07/2025 at 22:03

Tecnologia promete absorver água do mar e filtrá-la, tornando potável e própria para consumo – (crédito: Adaptado de ACS Energy Letters)

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Chinese Technology Uses Solar Light And Plastic Lid To Transform Seawater Into Potable Water Without Electricity Or Expensive Equipment

A new material developed by Chinese scientists may facilitate the production of potable water from seawater. The technology uses only sunlight and a common plastic lid to function. The study was published in the scientific journal ACS Energy Letters.

Magic Sponge: Porous Material With Nanotechnology

The material created is a type of aerogel, a lightweight and porous substance made with carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers.

It was shaped with precise micro-holes using a 3D printer. These uniform holes allow the material to function efficiently, even in larger sizes.

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Simple Test, Effective Result

For the practical test, the scientists placed the material inside a glass with seawater. They then covered it with a curved and transparent lid.

The sunlight heated the material, causing the water to evaporate. The salt remained in the glass. The vapor rose, condensed on the lid, and flowed into a separate container.

After six hours under the sun, the system generated the equivalent of three tablespoons of potable water. All without the use of electricity or complex equipment.

Promise Of Accessible Desalination

According to Xi Shen, one of the researchers involved, the new aerogel allows desalination at any scale. “Our aerogel allows for full capacity desalination at any size. It is a simple and scalable solution to produce clean water without relying on electricity,” he stated.

The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and institutions in Hong Kong. The technology is still in the experimental phase but represents a promising advancement in solutions for access to potable water, especially in regions with little infrastructure.

With information from Correio Braziliense.

Scientists Create Magic Sponge That Converts Seawater Into Drinkable Water Without Using Energy or Expensive Equipment, Only Sunlight

Chinese Technology Uses Solar Light And Plastic Lid To Transform Seawater Into Potable Water Without Electricity Or Expensive Equipment

Magic Sponge: Porous Material With Nanotechnology

Simple Test, Effective Result

Promise Of Accessible Desalination

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Promise Of Accessible Desalination

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