(155d) High-Performance Silicas for Atmospheric Water Harvesting

Atmospheric water extraction is a system that can generate potable water, providing mobile, scalable, and self-sufficient operations. Unfortunately, state-of-the-art fog-harvesting and dew systems are limited to operations where high humidity is available. Other common water generation devices use heat exchangers/condensation techniques to produce liquid water from humid air, but these systems are large, energy intensive, and require humidity levels at 60% RH or higher. For extreme conditions where water is scarce, an adsorption-based atmospheric water extractor promises to supply drinking water regardless of the weather conditions. The goal of this work is to develop novel adsorbent materials with high water adsorption capacity across the entire humidity range. This presentation will focus on recent adsorbent development and scale-up work, with discussions on the current state-of-the-art and challenges to be overcome.