Producing water from moisture in the air is not a new concept, but the hardware needed to do so is not easy to buy, and typically requires a dedicated location and is difficult to carry around.
Recently, a team of engineers from the University of Texas has successfully developed a jacket that can produce up to 900 milliliters of water per day from the humidity around it. They have developed a fiber that can absorb moisture from the surrounding air, which can then be processed into drinkable water.
Compared to other conventional water-producing devices, this textile shows a three- to 10-fold increase in the scale of water production. The concept of fibers and fabrics that can absorb moisture and convert it into water allows for more field applications that are not only cost-effective, but also easy to distribute for a wide range of uses.
The researchers are also now exploring applications beyond wearables, including backpacks, tents, emergency shelters and other outdoor gear, allowing everyday items people carry to help collect water from the air. This fiber/fabric has already been patented by the commercialization unit of the University of Texas.
