Some 13 million giants of water swim in the Earth’s atmosphereA huge amount, which, however, is still out of the reach of a large part of the population. In many areas of the planet, the problem is not that the resource is absent, but that Unavailable in safe conditions For human consumption.
A Unequal water distribution This affects more power rural areas, arid media and territories with outdated infrastructure. In accordance with United NationsAbout 2.2 billion people live without guaranteed access to drinking water. From there a Constant search for viable solutions This allows you to reversal this structural deficit.
Innovative material allows you to capture air from the air with unprecedented efficiency
In this context, an international team led by Sir Kostya Novoselov And Joshi rocket developed a material that can absorb air water With efficiency exceeding any previous commercial system. Studies collected in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of Americapart of the structure based on Grafen oxideto which they were addedOr calcium ions To improve the formation of hydrogen bonds. Combinations can be captured more water than each component reaches separately.
Tests have shown that the material is capable of Keep your weight in water more than three times and do it at a significantly higher speed than other well -known methods. To optimize its performance, the equipment turned it into AergelAn extremely porous solid substance that allows us to accelerate both absorption and release of fluid. From 50 degrees Celsius, system The retained water produces without the need for complex processes or high energy consumptionField
This effectiveness is based not only on the physical structure of the material, but also on key molecular interaction. As explained by the University of Nueva Wales del -Sur, analysis through Functional density theory He showed that calcium insert changes polarization on the surface of the graphene oxide. This change strengthens hydrogen bonds and improves the ability of the material to attract water molecules.
Co -author Daria AndrivaInstitute of Singapore Intellectual Functional Materials explained that this behavior requires only one The source of soft heat to restore absorbed waterWhich enhances the viability of the system: “The only necessary energy consumption is to heat the structure to about 50 degrees to free up the air -agents.”
In addition to the practical essay, the study was relied on Simulations made with the guardian of the National Computer Center of AustraliaThis part of the work was coordinated by the field Amir CardboardProfessor of the University of New England, which describes in detail how digital models were necessary for understanding Molecular interactions are involvedThe field according to them, “modeling explained synergistic interactions at the molecular level and now allows you to design even the best systems for generating atmospheric water.”
Development seeks to adapt to the real conditions of the most affected communities
The team began to work with technological companies to develop Functional prototypes This can be used in regions with high humidity and poor availability of drinking water. Joshi said that the potential volume of the invention goes beyond the desert areas and applies to communities without reliable infrastructure: “Our technology can Apply in any region with enough moisture, but with limited access to clean and drinking water”
Although the technology is still at the initial stage, promotion is a tangible example of international scientific cooperation with social influence. Director of the Carbon Science Center for Carbon and Innovation of the arc, Give restraintdefended the value of the conclusion as starting point For structural changes: “We have made to identify the scientific basis of the process of moisture absorption and the role of hydrogen bonds that will help provide drinking water for most of 2.2 billion people who lack it”
