A small wooden cube might soon offer a solution for accessing fresh water. Scientists at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have engineered a novel water harvester that extracts moisture from the atmosphere and releases it upon exposure to sunlight.

This cube stands out because it operates without electricity, making it suitable for regions with limited power access, perhaps benefiting millions. the device’s composition, made entirely of wood, adds to its appeal.

The researchers say that the process involves removing lignin, the component that gives wood its rigidity, resulting in a spongy texture filled with microscopic pores. These pores act as a framework, infused with lithium chloride salt, which attracts water molecules from the air.

One side of the cube is coated with carbon nanotube ink, which converts sunlight into heat. This facilitates the transformation of captured water molecules into potable water when exposed to sunlight.

“The researchers say they took the lignin (which makes wood rigid) out of the wood…packed with microscopic pores…loaded with lithium chloride salt.”

Unlike many water harvesters that require humid environments, this device functions effectively in conditions with only 30% humidity, making it viable for arid regions where water scarcity is a major concern.During trials, the device captured approximately 2.5 milliliters of water per gram overnight.

The harvester demonstrated a 94% efficiency in releasing water when exposed to sunlight. Its sustainability lies in its minimal infrastructure requirements. Alternative technologies, such as Aquaria’s recently revealed water generator, demand more extensive infrastructure.

other innovative approaches to water harvesting include a gel that can pull water out of thin air.