Using sound waves for extraction of drinking water from the air

Trying to grab water from air. Pic/Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an ultrasonic device that dramatically accelerates the process of extracting drinking water from the air. Unlike traditional atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) systems that rely on heat to evaporate moisture from sponge-like materials over several hours, the new system uses high-frequency sound waves to shake out water in just minutes.

The device emits ultrasonic vibrations that loosen water molecules from water-absorbing materials, also known as sorbents. When tested, the device extracted water 45 times faster than sun-powered methods. Researchers say the compact design could be paired with a small solar panel, enabling multiple water collection cycles per day in off-grid or desert environments.

Since it can work with any AWH material, the system could be scaled for household use in water-scarce regions. The study was published in Nature Communications.