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Technology Developed by Researchers from Australia and China Converts Humidity from the Air into Drinking Water Using Only Solar Light, No Electricity, and at Low Cost.
Australian and Chinese researchers have developed a material that can transform humidity from the air into drinking water using only solar energy.
The innovation, called WLG-15, operates without electricity, is low-cost, and can be used in disaster areas, arid zones, and places without access to basic infrastructure.
How the Material Was Created
The innovation emerged from a partnership between RMIT University in Australia and five Chinese institutions. The WLG-15 is composed of three main elements: balsa wood, lithium chloride, and iron oxide.
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Balsa wood, light and porous, serves as support and promotes absorption.
Lithium chloride is responsible for capturing humidity from the air. The iron oxide, in the form of nanoparticles, helps release the absorbed water when the material is heated by sunlight.
Simple and Efficient Operation
The WLG-15 is molded into small cubes and placed in a cup with a rounded lid. When the lid is open, the material absorbs humidity present in the air.
Then, when closing and exposing the system to sunlight, the heat activates the nanoparticles, which cause the water to evaporate and condense on the inside of the lid. The water then drains and can be collected.
This process eliminates the need for electricity, making the system useful in emergencies or regions without access to the power grid.
Results from Laboratory Tests
In controlled conditions of 90% relative humidity, the material showed good results. One gram of WLG-15 was able to absorb 2 ml of water. In less than 10 hours, almost all the water was released. With just nine cubes of less than 1 gram each, it was possible to obtain 15 ml of water.
The volume is not high, but the system is lightweight, modular, and can be easily scaled up. This allows it to be adapted for different water collection needs.
Advantages Over Other Technologies
Compared to atmospheric water generators (AWG), which require electricity and can cost up to €15,800, the WLG-15 stands out for being:
- Cheaper
- Portable
- Electricity-free
- Efficient even in areas with limited infrastructure
Moreover, the material is reusable and cold-resistant, maintaining performance even after weeks of storage and use in sub-zero temperatures.
Practical and Accessible Applications
The new technology can be used to provide drinking water in arid regions, in homes with a sustainable focus, or in humanitarian missions after disasters.
Its production uses balsa wood, abundant and renewable, and does not include toxic materials like asbestos.
The WLG-15 emerges as a practical solution to one of today’s major challenges: access to drinking water.
It reduces dependence on large systems, uses clean energy, and avoids environmental impacts associated with complex technologies.
The creation promises to benefit thousands of people worldwide and demonstrates how simple solutions can have a significant impact when well applied.
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