Cooling Paint That Harvests Water from Thin Air: A Dual Solution for Heat and Drought

Cooling paint harvests water from thin air

Published on: November 4, 2025
Source: TechXplore

In a remarkable breakthrough at the intersection of materials science and climate technology, researchers at the University of Sydney—in collaboration with the start-up Dewpoint Innovations—have developed a nanoengineered polymer paint-like coating that can both passively cool surfaces and harvest water directly from the air, all without using a single watt of energy. This pioneering invention, published in Advanced Functional Materials, could revolutionize the way we manage heat and water scarcity in an increasingly warming world.

A Paint That Cools and Collects Water

The innovative coating reflects up to 97% of sunlight while radiating infrared heat into the atmosphere, enabling it to remain up to 6°C cooler than ambient air even under direct sunlight. This strong cooling effect creates the perfect conditions for atmospheric water vapor to condense into droplets on its surface—much like the way condensation forms on a cold beverage glass or bathroom mirror after a hot shower.

Led by Professor Chiara Neto of the University of Sydney Nano Institute and the School of Chemistry, the study demonstrates that this simple yet elegant material can passively produce clean water without relying on electricity, fans, or mechanical refrigeration. “This technology not only advances the science of cool roof coatings but also opens the door to sustainable, low-cost and decentralized sources of fresh water,” said Neto. “It’s a critical innovation in the face of climate change and global water scarcity.”

Harvesting Water, Drop by Drop

In a six-month field trial conducted on the rooftop of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, the team observed that dew could be collected over 32% of the year, even during periods without rain. Under optimal conditions, the coating was capable of producing up to 390 milliliters of water per square meter per day—enough for a 12-square-meter surface to supply the daily drinking needs of one person.

With larger collection surfaces, this passive water harvesting method could provide clean water for livestock, horticulture, and even for producing green hydrogen, which requires about nine liters of water per kilogram of hydrogen in electrolysis. The ability to generate freshwater autonomously and sustainably makes this technology highly promising for drought-prone and arid regions worldwide.

The Science Behind the Coating

Unlike conventional white paints that rely on titanium dioxide or other UV-reflective pigments, this new material is made from a porous fluoropolymer composite—specifically, polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene (PVDF-HFP). Its internal nanostructure scatters sunlight efficiently across all wavelengths, reflecting nearly all incoming radiation while allowing heat to radiate outward. The result is a durable coating that stays cooler without glare or environmental toxicity associated with heavy-metal pigments.

Dr. Ming Chiu, the study’s lead author and Chief Technology Officer at Dewpoint Innovations, explained that “by eliminating UV-absorbing materials and optimizing the internal porosity, we achieved a balance between high solar reflectivity and visual comfort.” Unlike many experimental coatings that degrade quickly, this one maintained consistent performance throughout the entire outdoor trial, even under Australia’s harsh sun.

Cooling Cities, Empowering Communities

Beyond its water-harvesting potential, the coating could help mitigate the urban heat island effect—a phenomenon where cities become significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas due to heat absorption by buildings and pavement. By keeping surfaces cooler, the paint could reduce demand for air conditioning, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve overall energy efficiency in cities.

Professor Neto also highlighted that the coating works in a range of climates, not just humid ones. “Dew can form even in arid regions where humidity rises at night. It’s not about replacing rainfall but supplementing it—providing water where and when other sources become limited.” This adaptability makes it a viable solution for both tropical megacities and remote desert communities.

From Lab to Rooftops

Dewpoint Innovations is now working to translate the laboratory results into a commercial paint formulation that can be applied with standard rollers or sprayers. The company envisions a future where every rooftop could become a source of both cooling and clean water. “It’s a scalable, energy-free solution that transforms buildings and infrastructure into water-harvesting systems,” said Dewpoint CEO Perzaan Mehta. “We’re addressing two urgent challenges of our time—heat and water scarcity—with one material.”

With over 2 million Australian homes already using rainwater collection systems, integrating dew-harvesting coatings could be the next logical step. Imagine buildings that not only stay cool but also make their own fresh water—a vision that is rapidly becoming a reality thanks to nanoengineered materials.

Next Steps and Broader Implications

The University of Sydney’s licensing of this technology to Dewpoint Innovations in 2022 represents a model for successful university–industry collaboration. As the startup refines and scales the paint’s production, potential applications extend far beyond residential use: from agriculture and urban greening to remote research stations, humanitarian relief, and even extraterrestrial habitats where atmospheric moisture is the only accessible water source.

Ultimately, this breakthrough embodies the growing convergence of materials science, nanotechnology, and sustainability—fields that are increasingly shaping the next generation of climate-resilient technologies.

Original article: Cooling paint harvests water from thin air — TechXplore, November 3, 2025.
Reference: Ming Chiu et al., Passively Cooled Paint‐Like Coatings for Atmospheric Water Capture, Advanced Functional Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202519108.

This article for Quantum Server Networks was prepared with the help of AI technologies to enhance structure, scientific accuracy, and readability.

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#CoolingPaint #WaterHarvesting #PassiveCooling #Nanoengineering #DewpointInnovations #UniversityOfSydney #AdvancedFunctionalMaterials #Sustainability #ClimateTech #MaterialsScience #SmartCoatings #Nanotechnology #EnergyEfficiency #QuantumServerNetworks

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