Archive · 30 Jun 2025
MIT Develops Bubble Wrap Tech to Extract Water From Air
Imagine a special 'bubble wrap' that can collect water from the air, even in dry places.
Scientists at MIT made such a device using a water-absorbing material called hydrogel, shaped like bubbles and enclosed in glass.
At night, it grabs water vapor, and during the day, the glass stays cool, causing the water to condense.
This water flows down the glass and is collected.
This system needs no electricity and is designed to provide households with safe drinking water.
Tests showed it can produce water in very dry areas.
Researchers plan to deploy multiple panels to provide clean water, and it could be cheaper than buying bottled water.
MIT researchers developed a 'bubble wrap' technology to extract water from the air.
The device uses hydrogel in a dome-like structure enclosed between glass layers.
It absorbs water vapor at night and condenses it during the day using a special glass coating.
Tests in Death Valley produced 57-161.5 ml of water daily without electricity.
Researchers anticipate that the system can provide households with drinking water.
- Who
- Researchers at MIT.
- What
- A device that harvests water from the air.
- When
- The research findings were published on June 11.
- Where
- Tested in Death Valley, developed at MIT.
- Why
- To provide access to safe drinking water, especially in areas lacking it.
- Institution
- MIT
- Technology
- Hydrogel 'bubble wrap' device
- Water Production (Death Valley)
- 57-161.5 ml per day
- Location of Testing
- Death Valley
- Water Source
- Atmospheric Vapor
- Energy Source
- None, electricity-free