Imagine collecting clean water from the air around you using just the power of sunlight. This is exactly what a team of scientists from Australia and China has achieved with a new, wood sponge-like device.
Sun-Powered Wood Sponge: Water Harvesting from Thin Air!
Nearly 80% of the world’s population faces challenges related to water security. This alarming situation results mainly from water pollution and increasing demand. Freshwater scarcity threatens communities everywhere, especially in dry regions. For these reasons, scientists seek innovative ways to collect clean water from the environment. One exciting approach is called atmospheric water harvesting (AWH). This method uses a wood sponge-like device. It captures clean water directly from the air, offering a promising solution as it does not depend on landscapes or seasons. Thus, places with very little rainfall can still access fresh water by extracting moisture from the air.
The Power of Wood and Solar Energy in Water Harvesting
How Does the Wood-Based Material Work?
Scientists have developed a unique material called wood-based solar-powered atmospheric water harvesting materials (WSAWHM). To create this, they first make a sponge-like matrix by treating balsa wood. Then, they add lithium chloride (LiCl), a chemical that strongly absorbs moisture. Finally, they coat this wood sponge with a layer of carbon nanotubes, which helps capture sunlight.
This setup allows the material to trap humidity quickly through tiny natural channels inside wood while using sunlight to release stored water efficiently. Its design makes it highly effective for dry environments where capturing even small amounts of moisture is essential.
How it Works: A Simple Process
The process is remarkably straightforward. First, the device’s lid is opened, allowing the sponge to absorb moisture from the surrounding air. Next, once enough moisture is absorbed, the lid is closed. Finally, sunlight triggers the release of the captured water into a collection cup. This entire process is solar-powered, making it incredibly sustainable and ideal for remote locations.
Sustainable and Efficient Water Harvesting
This device stands out because it works well even at low humidity levels, as low as 30%, and performs reliably across wide temperature ranges — from 5°C to 55°C. In tests, nine small wood sponge cubes (about 7 grams) absorbed up to 15 milliliters of water overnight and released almost all of it within ten hours of sunlight exposure. This efficiency is higher than many existing technologies, like fog harvesting or radiative cooling.
The Role of Machine Learning in Improving Performance
This research also uses advanced techniques like machine learning, specifically Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, to analyze how quickly and efficiently the material absorbs and releases water under different conditions. These smart models help scientists predict performance accurately and design better materials for future use.
Sustainability and Practicality Combined
The wooden matrix is not only abundant and cost-effective but also naturally porous and strong. It holds moisture well while remaining stable after absorbing water. Moreover, incorporating natural materials like wood makes this technology environmentally friendly and sustainable. It is an important factor when developing solutions for global challenges.
The Potential Impact on Global Water Challenges
Hello to New Possibilities in Arid Regions
This wood-based technology provides new hope for people living in arid or semi-arid regions where clean drinking water is hard to find. Unlike traditional methods relying on rainfall or groundwater, this approach offers a renewable source directly sourced from atmospheric moisture combined with solar energy.
Enhanced Performance and Smart Technology
The team is exploring several avenues for further enhancement. Incorporating solar panels with thermal energy storage will allow for continuous operation, even during periods without direct sunlight. Additionally, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors will optimize water harvesting by monitoring environmental conditions and fine-tuning operation. This could lead to a truly self-sufficient and efficient water harvesting system.
Reference
- Zhang, X., Xu, Y., Han, S., Weng, X., Che, W., Gu, K., Guan, Y., Yu, Y., Hao, D., & Hou, J. (2025). Development and Characterization of Novel Wood-based Composite Materials for Solar-Powered Atmospheric Water Harvesting: A Machine Intelligence supported Approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 145061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145061
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Neha Adikane holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Pune University, bringing a unique blend of scientific expertise and creative writing skills to her craft. She specializes in creating engaging, insightful, and impactful content across various niches. With a passion for translating complex ideas into simple, relatable narratives, she excels at crafting blogs, articles, website content, and social media posts that captivate readers and drive engagement. Neha’s background in environmental science adds depth to her writing, allowing her to effectively cover topics related to sustainability, eco-awareness, and scientific innovations.
