An ultralight aerogel. The new invention aims to mark a turning point in the history of access to drinking water. As you know, many places do not have access to safe water, and now, this ultralight aerogel made with graphene oxide and calcium is capable of absorbing its own weight in water to speed up the water cycle.
Developed by a group of scientists from China, Australia, Singapore, India, and Japan, it could directly benefit more than 2.2 billion people who do not have regular access to safe drinking water.
For now, everything is still in the experimental phase, but we are going to tell you absolutely everything.
What are we talking about?
For the moment, this project would only work in areas with high atmospheric humidity. The material would be released into the air, it would capture the moisture, and, when heated (above 50ºC), it would release drinking water ready for consumption, almost like the water filters you buy at the supermarket.
How does it work?
It is based on principles of nanotechnology, materials engineering, and climate programming, and has already passed the early stages of computer modeling with quite promising results. If validated under real conditions, it would be a key solution to the global water crisis, especially in regions like Mexico.
An invention born from international cooperation
It’s not just about its technology; it’s a collective effort. Researchers from several continents have joined forces to develop a solution to one of humanity’s greatest challenges: water scarcity.
With different specialties, from chemistry to artificial intelligence, they managed to design a new material that breaks the limitations of current solutions.
The water problem
Globally, about 2.2 billion people do not have safe access to clean drinking water in their homes, with 292 million people having very limited access and 296 million using unimproved sources… And approximately 4.4 billion people (more than half of the world’s population) don’t even have safe water inside their homes… So this invention could finally fulfill the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6.
How does the graphene and calcium aerogel work?
The operation of the aerogel is simple but incredible; it works like a humidifier, it captures humidity from some places (even where there is no nearby water), and once it is full, it only takes heat, which can be solar, to release the stored water. The resulting liquid meets the potability standards set by the UN, which means it is safe for human consumption.
In addition, the aerogel is reusable, lightweight, and cheap to produce compared to other water harvesting technologies, such as traditional condensation systems.
Mexico, one of the countries that could benefit the most
In countries like Mexico, where the lack of drinking water has led to the overexploitation of aquifers and the loss of biodiversity, this technology represents a hope of having drinking water at home.
Recurrent droughts, wildfires, and population growth have made water a critical resource, so it could be implemented in rural and urban communities to democratize access to drinking water.
What’s missing?
For now, we are in the initial phase, and there is still a long way to go, it must now face real environments with variable humidity, pollutants, and extreme conditions.
But let no one take away our hope that this invention can change the future of access to safe water around the world, and even though there is still a lot to test, many families could finally have water at home. One step closer to achieving equality among people!
Source: Unionrayo.com
