Imagine getting stuck in an arid region, which is characterised by its lack of available water. In such regions, rainfall is scarce, temperatures are high and humidity is low, while there is a general paucity of vegetation. These deserts constitute about 35 percent of the land areas of the world. More than a third of the world's population lives in drylands. Water shortage is a serious problem for these people. However, researchers at the University of Texas at Austin believe that it is possible to extract water out of the thin air. [1]

Figure 1. Researchers Create Polymer Film that can Yield up to 13 Litres of Water from Air

Figure 1 shows researchers have said these films, made up of renewable biomass and hygroscopic salt, cost a mere $2 (around Rs. 155) per kg. One kg of this film can produce more than six litres of water per day in areas with less than 15 percent relative humidity. This amount goes up to 13 litres in areas with up to 30 percent relative humidity.

This amount could turn out to be a good deal of scarce resource in an arid region. The researchers added that the water yield could be dramatically increased by creating thicker films and optimising the process. Other attempts at extracting water from desert air are typically energy-intensive. [2]

“This new work is about practical solutions that people can use to get water in the hottest, driest places on Earth,” stated senior writer Professor Guihua Yu.

Also, the gadget is easy to function and may be simply put in in each house. “This is not something you need an advanced degree to use,” stated Youhong ‘Nancy’ Guo, the lead writer and a former scholar in Yu’s lab. [3]

The film is flexible and can be divided into a variety of shapes and sizes. The film is required of a gel that has all the necessary ingredients. The gel takes two minutes to set in the mold and the user simply has to freeze-dry it. Finally, remove the film from the mold and you are ready to use it. [4]

References:

1. https://newslogic.in/science/researchers-create-polymer-film-that-can-yield-up-to-13-litres-of-water-from-air/
2. https://gadgets360.com/science/news/polymer-film-extract-water-from-thin-air-arid-regions-3032193
3. https://180gadgets.com/researchers-create-polymer-film-that-can-yield-up-to-13-litres-of-water-from-air/
4. https://list23.com/879887-researchers-create-a-polymer-film-that-can-yield-up-to-13-litres-of-water-from-air/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Researchers Create Polymer Film that can Yield up to 13 Litres of Water from Air, Anatechmaz, pp.144