Light-as-a-Feather Nanomaterial Extracts Drinking Water from Air

Graphene oxide aerogel used for water harvesting

In a major scientific stride toward solving global water scarcity, researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking nanomaterial capable of efficiently capturing potable water from air. This innovation, centered around a graphene oxide aerogel enhanced with calcium ions, could bring affordable, clean drinking water to the 2.2 billion people lacking reliable access today.

Developed through an international collaboration led by Associate Professor Rakesh Joshi (UNSW) and Nobel Laureate Sir Kostya Novoselov (National University of Singapore), the study showcases the synergistic interplay between graphene oxide and calcium ions. Their unique interaction creates stronger-than-expected hydrogen bonds, allowing the material to adsorb water at levels greater than the sum of its parts.

Unlike traditional systems, this aerogel is incredibly lightweight—akin to a feather—and forms a sponge-like structure. This enhances both adsorption and desorption of water vapor. The desorption process only requires gentle heating to 50°C, making it energy efficient for remote or developing regions. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, underscores the potential of material science in solving global humanitarian crises.

Professor Amir Karton from the University of New England contributed computational modeling via Australia's National Computational Infrastructure (NCI), providing molecular-level insights that guide the next generation of atmospheric water harvesting devices.

The success of this study lies not just in the material itself but also in the power of cross-border, interdisciplinary collaboration. Researchers from Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, and India contributed to this innovative solution, highlighting science’s ability to transcend geopolitical boundaries in pursuit of societal good.

With further industry development and scaling, this calcium-intercalated graphene oxide aerogel could revolutionize water harvesting technologies in arid and semi-arid regions, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to one of humanity’s most urgent challenges.

Read the full article: Phys.org – Nanomaterial extracts drinking water from air

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