photo #7880412

Researchers created a solar-powered desalination device capable of producing 20 liters of fresh water per square meter daily, converting 93% of sunlight into usable energy.This system mimics nature’s water cycle, offering an energy-efficient and eco-friendly solution to the global water crisis.Unlike traditional desalination methods, which are energy-intensive and prone to clogging from salt buildup, the new device employs advanced materials to ensure continuous, maintenance-free operation.Designed with portability in mind, the device is especially suited for remote and coastal regions where fresh water is scarce. Using a combination of nickel foam, conductive polymers, and thermoresponsive pollen particles, the system efficiently heats seawater, evaporates it, and condenses the vapor into fresh water, all while preventing salt accumulation.The team plans to scale up the technology, testing larger prototypes at sea to explore its potential for widespread use. If successful, this innovation could transform water access for underserved communities, aligning with several UN Sustainable Development Goals.Learn more: https://uwaterloo.ca/news/media/turning-seawater-fresh-water-through-solar-powerImage: University of Waterloo