• A new solar-powered device using WLG-15 material can extract potable water from the air.
• WLG-15, made of balsa wood, lithium chloride, and iron oxide, absorbs moisture and releases it under sunlight.
• The device shows promise as a portable water harvesting system for emergency aid and remote regions.

Researchers at Australia's RMIT University and five Chinese institutes have developed a solar-powered device that harvests drinking water from air using a new composite material called WLG-15. This device, made with porous balsa wood, lithium chloride, and iron oxide nanoparticles, absorbs moisture from the air, releases it under sunlight, and condenses it into drinkable water. It offers a potential solution for providing potable water in disaster-stricken areas and water-scarce regions, overcoming limitations of existing Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs).

• What: Development of a solar-powered device using WLG-15 to harvest potable water from air.
• Who: Researchers at RMIT University (Australia) and five Chinese institutes, including Dr. Junfeng Hou from Zhejiang A&F University.
• When: Research published in the Journal of Cleaner Production in March (year not specified); device continues to be tested and developed as of May 2025.
• Where: Developed in labs at RMIT University and Chinese institutes; potential application in disaster-stricken areas and remote/arid regions.

The development of WLG-15 and the associated solar-powered water harvesting device represents a significant advancement in portable water solutions, particularly for regions with limited access to electricity and clean water. The use of readily available and inexpensive materials like balsa wood, combined with the solar-powered operation, addresses the limitations of existing AWGs. While the current water extraction rate may seem low, the researchers indicate potential for scaling up the device and optimizing the material composition. The AI-assisted prediction of performance under varying conditions further enhances the potential of this technology. The successful storage and reuse of WLG-15 also suggest its durability and practicality for real-world applications.

deployed in real-world applications such as water collection in remote or arid regions

The WLG-15 composite material-based, solar-powered device presents a viable solution for potable water extraction from the atmosphere, especially benefiting water-scarce and electricity-limited regions. While still under development, its potential for scalability and reliance on readily available materials position it as a promising alternative to existing water harvesting methods. Future efforts should focus on optimizing material composition, enhancing water extraction rates, and conducting comprehensive field tests to confirm real-world performance. Exploration of industry partnerships for pilot production is crucial for commercialization and widespread adoption. Overcoming key challenges such as energy consumption, climate dependency, initial costs, maintenance needs, and air quality concerns is essential for the successful implementation of AWG systems. Further research should also explore integrating the device with renewable energy sources like solar PV to enhance its economic viability and environmental friendliness. Moreover, exploring advanced materials, innovative system designs, and efficient energy management strategies will be critical to maximizing water production and minimizing energy consumption, thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability and widespread applicability of this technology. Attention should also be given to air quality monitoring and pre-treatment to ensure harvested water safety.