In 2018, the University of California at Berkeley introduced a breakthrough that could transform access to drinking water in regions with extreme water scarcity.
The chemist Omar Yaghi, along with Susumu Kitagawa and Richard Robson, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing metal-organic frameworks (MOF) capable of capturing water from the air using only sunlight.
How the solar water capture device works
A passive system that operates day and night thanks to porous materials and solar radiation.
The prototype tested in the Arizona desert uses a material called MOF-801, made with zirconium, which absorbs nighttime moisture and releases it during the day through solar heating.
The design consists of an inner box with MOF protected by a transparent outer structure. At night, it opens to capture humid air; during the day, it closes to accumulate heat, causing vapor condensation on the walls and its subsequent collection.
“It works at ambient temperature with ambient sunlight, without additional energy input,” Yaghi highlighted.
Advancements in efficiency and accessibility
The MOF-303 version, based on aluminum, is 150 times cheaper and doubles the capture capacity.
Under optimal conditions, MOF-801 can produce 200 ml of water per kilo of material. The new variant, MOF-303, reaches more than 400 ml per kilo, representing a significant leap in performance and scalability. Additionally, the system works even with sub-zero dew points, making it ideal for arid and desert areas.
Water scarcity in deserts: causes and consequences
High evaporation, overexploitation, and climate change exacerbate the water crisis.
- Low precipitation and high evaporation: limits water availability
- Growing demand and monocultures: unsustainable pressure on aquifers
- Climate change: alters rainfall patterns and accelerates desertification
- Soil degradation: erosion and loss of water retention capacity
Social and environmental impacts:
- Mass migration and conflicts over scarce resources
- Loss of biodiversity and expansion of arid zones
- Low agricultural productivity and food insecurity
Sustainable solutions to tackle the water crisis
Technology, land management, and environmental education as pillars of resilience.
- Fog collection and greywater reuse
- Efficient extraction of groundwater
- Vegetation restoration and dune control
- Sustainable agriculture and rational water use
- Awareness of the value of water resources
- International cooperation to manage shared aquifers
Applied science for a fairer water future
MOF technology opens new possibilities to supply vulnerable communities.
This type of innovation demonstrates that it is possible to turn air into drinking water without complex infrastructure or energy consumption.
In a world where water is becoming increasingly scarce, solutions like this can empower communities, reduce conflicts, and strengthen climate resilience.
