Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a biomass-based hydrogel that can extract up to 14 liters of water from the air per kilogram of sorbent. Unlike traditional sorbents, this new material is made from food waste, branches, and other natural components, making it eco-friendly and affordable.
The technology works by modifying natural polysaccharides, adding thermosensitive and zwitterionic groups to boost their temperature sensitivity and enhance their ability to absorb and release moisture. Compared to existing synthetic sorbents, this new material is biodegradable, energy-efficient, and can be produced from a wide range of natural waste products.
In testing, the hydrogel outperformed traditional sorbents, which typically yield just 1–5 liters of water per kilogram. According to lead researcher Guihua Yu, this breakthrough paves the way for affordable water-harvesting systems, especially in arid regions.
#space #science #educational #technology
