"MIT's Superabsorbent Hydrogel: A Game-Changer for Harvesting Water from Desert Air"
MIT engineers have developed a superabsorbent hydrogel infused with lithium chloride that can absorb an unprecedented amount of moisture from the air, even in desert-like conditions. The material can continuously absorb vapor, which can then be condensed into ultrapure water for drinking. It has the potential for large-scale use in passive water harvesting and improving air conditioning efficiency. The researchers achieved record-breaking vapor absorption by infusing the hydrogel with a high concentration of salt, allowing it to hold in moisture and swell to accommodate more water.