MIT's Superabsorbent Hydrogel: Transforming Desert Air Into Water

Fei Ruby, Tech Times 03 July 2023, 09:07 am

Engineers from MIT recently made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of harvesting by producing a material with the ability to turn the air from even the most scorching environments into water.

The product itself contains a 'superabsorbent' feature, which can hold more room for moisture as it expands, pulling air vapors from the air and condensing the moisture without spilling a single drop.

By amalgamating different elements and materials, MIT has formed this new product that could reverse the water crises we have across the world.

Dwindling Water Supply Forces Cities Like Phoenix To Make Hard Choices

(Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images) In an aerial view, the Central Arizona Project canal runs through the Sonoran Desert on June 8, 2023, in Buckeye, Arizona.

MIT's Studies and Formulation

According to researchers, there may be a much larger amount of salt injected into this hydrogel than was previously possible.

They found that at a range of levels of moisture and particularly in the case of very dry weather conditions which have previously limited the development of other types of materials, salt gel can absorb and hold on to record amounts of moisture.

Over time, the hydrogels absorb increasing amounts of salt, with the record reaching 24 grams per gram of polymer after 30 days. Subsequent absorption tests revealed that the salt-infused hydrogels exhibited superior moisture absorption and retention across all humidity levels without leakage.

Notably, the gel samples achieved a remarkable 1.79 grams of water absorption per gram of material in extremely dry conditions of 30 percent relative humidity.

The superabsorbent gel can be used as a passive water collector, especially in the desert and dry locations where the substance is continually absorbing vapor that, if produced quickly and in large quantities, might result in condensed drinking water.

Researchers also think that the material may be employed in air conditioners as a dehumidifier and energy-saving component.

Solving the Water Problem

This product could open new doors in terms of resolving the world's water scarcity problem, for the material is inexpensive to create, and performs with high-quality results.

MIT's Device Research Lab works to address global energy and water concerns.

When looking for substances that may aid gel in absorbing water from the air, scientists focused on slippery and stretchy hydrogels which are mostly comprised of water and a little amount of crosslinking polymer.

This is due to their ability to expand when taking in water exposed to a substance, which is why hydrogels are being used by diapers for years.

"Our question was, how can we make this work just as well to absorb vapor from the air?" Díaz-Marin stated.

MIT's Device Research Lab continues to pursue novel materials to address global energy and water challenges. Their pioneering work on superabsorbent hydrogel holds immense promise for combating water scarcity, especially in arid regions, and revolutionizing water harvesting techniques worldwide.