Low-cost gel film that can help access clean drinking water

Over a third of the global population live in drylands, which experience significant water shortages. At the University of Texas, engineers and scientists have come up with a solution that could help people living in these areas access clean drinking water.

They have invented a low-cost gel film that can pull water from the air, even in the driest climates. It is made of abundant materials, costing only $2 per kilogram.

Just 1 kilogram can produce over 13 litres of water per day in areas with up to 30% relative humidity, and 6 litres in areas with less than 15%.

“This could allow millions of people without consistent access to drinking water to have simple, water generating devices at home they can easily operate,” says Guihua Yu, professor at the Cockrell School of Engineering Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering.