A team of researchers from Australia and China developed a device that could change access to water in arid areas: a cube that “creates” water.
The device, a wooden square, is capable of capturing moisture from the air and converting it into drinking water.
The system operates with solar energy, requires no electricity or maintenance, and achieves an efficiency of 94%.
How the cube that “creates” water works
The window cube, designed by scientists from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Zhejiang A&F University, uses delignified balsa wood.
This process removes the rigid component of the wood, leaving it spongy and highly porous to absorb moisture from the environment.
The cube incorporates lithium chloride salt that reacts with water molecules in the air, maximizing absorption.
A layer of carbon nanotube ink absorbs solar radiation and heats the material quickly.
During the day, the sun’s energy causes the accumulated water to evaporate and condense inside the cube.
“The device absorbs moisture when open and releases it when closed under the sun, generating drinking water without relying on external sources,” explained Dr. Derek Hao, lead researcher at RMIT.
The results of the device tests
Field tests showed promising results. In environments with a relative humidity of 65.9%, each gram of the material absorbed approximately 2.5 milliliters of water overnight and released most of it when exposed to the sun.
Even in low humidity conditions (around 30%), the cube maintained its capture capacity.
Nine cubes together can generate about 15 milliliters of water in a day.
This modularity allows the system to be scaled according to needs, from domestic use to emergency operations.
The tests demonstrated that the cube retains its structure and functionality after being stored at -20 °C for 20 days, ensuring its resistance to extreme conditions.
An accessible and sustainable solution to water scarcity
The materials used (wood, salt, and carbon ink) are affordable, biodegradable, and easy to obtain.
According to the article published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, this method does not require electrical power or continuous maintenance.
Dr. Junfeng Hou, from Zhejiang A&F University, indicated that the cube could be applied in emergency situations, in isolated communities, or in regions where distribution systems are not viable.
In addition to producing drinking water, the system can help regulate ambient humidity in indoor spaces.
Future development
The researchers are working on larger versions of the device and its integration with renewable energy systems.
Among the planned improvements is the incorporation of solar panels with thermal storage to ensure continuous operation, even on cloudy days.
They are also evaluating the addition of smart sensors connected via the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize the water absorption and release cycles.
The team is in discussions with industrial partners for pilot-scale production.
This prototype represents a viable alternative to current desalination or fog capture technologies, which often require large investments.
If its results are confirmed, the window cube could mark a change in the way water is accessed in areas affected by water stress.
