Sucking Water Out of Thin Air: The Future of Atmospheric Water Harvesting Technology

An atmospheric water generator operates by extracting water from air to create a sustainable source of freshwater, independent of geographic location or existing water infrastructure. The atmosphere is rich in water vapor, making it a largely untapped reservoir. This technology captures and condenses moisture from the air, transforming it into clean, drinkable water, once mineralized. 

Several methods have been developed to extract water from air, each with unique principles and applications: 

 

Condensation-Based Water Extraction 

 

This is the most common method used by atmospheric water generators. It works by cooling the air below its dew point, which causes water vapor to condense into liquid water. Traditional air to water technology often relies on refrigeration, making it energy-intensive — particularly in arid regions where humidity levels are low. The high carbon footprint of traditional condensation-based systems can be a drawback, especially if renewable energy sources are not utilized. 

 

 

Using Desiccants for Water Harvesting

 

Desiccants are hygroscopic substances that absorb moisture from the air. Common examples include silica gel and calcium chloride. These materials can extract water from air even in low-humidity conditions, but they require regeneration — usually through heating — to release the absorbed moisture, which can be costly and energy-intensive at scale. 

 

 

Adsorption Technology for Water Extraction

 

Adsorption captures water molecules from the air using reticular materials with a large surface area and strong affinity for water. This method, which can effectively extract water from air, is particularly energy-efficient as it doesn’t require cooling (like condensation-based technologies) or heating (like desiccant based technologies). Instead, it uses nano-engineered reticular materials such as Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) to adsorb moisture, which can then be released to produce clean water. 

Environmental factors, particularly humidity and temperature, play a critical role in the efficiency of atmospheric water generators. 

 

Role of Humidity in Water Extraction Efficiency

 

Higher humidity levels typically improve the efficiency of water extraction since more water vapor is available in the air. Condensation-based air to water technology systems typically struggle in low-humidity areas. Advanced adsorption-based systems can efficiently extract water from air even in conditions with as little as 20% humidity. 

 

The Impact of Temperature on Water Harvesting

 

Temperature affects the dew point, influencing the ability to condense water. Warmer air can hold more moisture, but achieving the dew point with traditional cooling methods demands significant power. Systems that utilize innovative methods can capture water from air at ambient temperatures, minimizing energy needs and enhancing adaptability in various climates.

The effectiveness of any atmospheric water generator relies on the materials and technologies used. One significant advancement in this field is the use of reticular materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs), which are recognized for their exceptional surface area and tunable porosity. These materials can efficiently capture and store water molecules, making them ideal for air to water technology.

 

• Low Energy Consumption: Atmospheric water generators using reticular materials can operate passively, powered entirely by ambient energy such as the heat of the air or the coolness of the soil. This characteristic makes these water systems particularly suitable for off-grid applications in remote areas. 

 

• High Water Yield: Nano-engineered reticular materials can extract substantial amounts of water from air, even in arid conditions, providing a reliable source of freshwater where traditional methods may fall short. 

 

• Scalability and Sustainability: The design of systems based on reticular materials allows for easy scalability, making them viable solutions for communities, industries, and agricultural operations facing water shortages. This adaptability is crucial for developing sustainable off-grid water solutions. 

 

Existing technologies, known as atmospheric water generation (AWG), most commonly work by cooling air to the point where water vapor condenses, much like how water droplets form on the outside of a cold glass. This condensation is collected, filtered, and mineralized, if intended for human consumption. The effectiveness of such systems is highly dependent on the amount of water vapor present in the air, meaning in arid and semi-arid regions where water is needed the most, they will typically be challenged. 

 

Another approach is based on desiccants — materials that absorb water vapor from the air — followed by an energy intensive heating process required to release the water molecules from the desiccant material. This method can extract water from air even in dry regions but depends on a very high energy input. 

 

Atmospheric water harvesting based on nano-engineered reticular materials can generate potable water from air even at humidities below 20% and without the need for any external energy input, leveraging nothing but free ambient renewable energy. Find out more about such systems here.  

Atmospheric water generators represent a significant advancement in tackling global water scarcity, tapping into the immense resource of atmospheric water. By leveraging innovative air to water technology, these systems aim to create a future where clean, accessible water is available to everyone, regardless of climate or location.

 

To overcome cost-efficiency challenges with currently available technologies, Atoco builds its solutions on decades of research and scientific advancement from its founder Professor Omar Yaghi. Atoco’s solution is leveraging nano-engineered reticular materials to generate water even at low humidity levels and without the need for any external energy source besides ambient energy. Find out more about our technology.

Atoco is a leader in climate technology, founded by Professor Omar Yaghi, the pioneer of Reticular Chemistry. Atoco leverages reticular materials such as Metal organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) to develop breakthrough solutions for carbon capture and atmospheric water harvesting.

These technologies, designed with atomic precision, are engineered to tackle global and most pressing challenges: climate change and water scarcity.