Using the same technique the professors have created a material that extracts water from the air and channels it to storage areas. The material is made of a glass or plastic substrate coated in charged polymers and silicon nanoparticles; the combination form a porous surface that holds water.
To control where the water is stored, sections of the materials surface are also covered in a material similar to Teflon. The material can be created in different patterns to allow it to act as either a water collecting device or as a cooling device. The U.S. Military is also interested in its use for collecting hazardous materials.
Read more at CNET
A lot of the best ideas come from nature and this one has a lot of potential uses, especially in the survival field.
Depending on how much surface area is required for water collection and the rate of collection, it could be possible to use this technology as a water device for travellers. You wear the material on your back and it collects water as you walk. The military's idea is also sound, turning the concept on its head to clean up contaminated areas.
It is still in the early stages of development, but a lot rides on how much water the material can collect and store, whether it is flexible, and how long it is useful before needing replacement. Depending on the rate at which it collects water there could also be the potential for it to be used on a much larger scale, providing a reliable source of water in some of the driest parts of the world.
Might we see this in some small-scale cooling application for technology? As the CNET article mentions, similar tech was demoed as a friction reducer, so there's a possibility … don't hold your breath, though.
USER COMMENTS 11 comment(s)
|Hey… (9:06am EST Mon Jun 19 2006)
Anyone remember the cool suits from Dune?
I think they could pretty much do that with combining a lot of current (and now this) technologies.
Anyone up for crossing the Sahara this weekend? - by Anti
|Stillsuits (10:32am EST Mon Jun 19 2006)
…never a drop of water on Arakis….
How about using it in Namibia? - by A Fremen
|But.. (10:40am EST Mon Jun 19 2006)
The beetles only do this under certain conditions: There is regular fog from the ocean from which the bugs harvest water. I don't think you would be able to just walk around and get enough to drink.
For most of us, getting a Camelback is a better idea….for now. - by leadfoot
|“cool suits” or 'cool' suits? (12:37pm EST Mon Jun 19 2006)
anyways, the stilsuits, I thinks that is what they would called, recycled the users water and somehow filtered so they could drink it through their mouth thing. ha ha
really cool. I love dune. - by Paul Atreides
|Stinker (2:16pm EST Mon Jun 19 2006)
Just dont let a wet fart go!….. - by Drifter
|Dune (3:30pm EST Mon Jun 19 2006)
I wouldn't mind the glowing blue eyes but, I don't think I could drink my own pee pee…even if it WAS filtered.
Now being a giant freakish floating spice worm running around folding space…sign me up!
|Cool ,,, (4:31pm EST Mon Jun 19 2006)
Now if we can get Hydrogen from the paper we can make a car that runs on air. - by LaughAlot
|Pfff to hydrogen (9:12pm EST Mon Jun 19 2006)
The developer of an engine that runs on JUST water (not fuel cells or other garbage) was killed by BIG OIL (either the USA or MIDDLE-EASTERN branch).
|Stel? suits (12:27am EST Tue Jun 20 2006)
They also processed feces to extract water from the pumping action. Anything to survive! - by Keith
|Astronuats (11:52am EST Tue Jun 20 2006)
Don't the astronuats drink recycled water now? - by Wild
|Water from the air (10:45am EST Wed Jun 21 2006)
Water _The western world is extremly fortunate but when it comes to survival humans will drink whatever is available…regardless !! For many around the world there is not choice but to drink water you wouldnt give to a dog.!!
Making “Water” from the Air – AIRSTREAM – Not just a water making machine but:- 3 for the price of 1
ü Room de-humidifier
Our company have been involved with these type of machines for past 4 years or so, including drinking the water daily. Most likely we were the first to bring the machines to Australia. Development has continued since then resulting in much improved products.
The machine is really quiet in operation and the water of excellent taste.
The amount of water produced is reliant upon prevailing temp & humidity.
When producing water the machine may consume 0.620Kw per hr. so water cost may be around $ 0.04 – $ 0.07cents or so. per Ltr. (local power cost approx 14c per/Kwh)
Compared with cost of bottled water from the local store or bulk 15Ltr bottles, its ultra cheap, ultra Enviro friendly and just pure convenience.
Hidden cost – bottled water. Cost of disposal of billions of plastic containers daily and the worldwide air pollution created by the millions of trucks distributing bottle water, impose a stupendous burden upon the community and our environment.
FACT: The ‘WHO‘ reports 5,000,000 children die annually from water related disease !
Am I glad I have my machine !! No Scotch and waste for me thanks !!