Smart sponge smaller than a paper clip pulls water from air with 94% efficiency

Researchers have developed a solar-powered smart sponge that efficiently captures water from air. Made from modified balsa wood with salts and nanoparticles, it achieved 94% water collection efficiency in outdoor tests across various humidity levels and temperatures. The small, biodegradable device absorbs airborne moisture and releases it when heated by sunlight. Researchers aim to scale up production for larger arrays, potentially providing drinking water in off-grid and disaster-stricken areas and addressing global water access challenges.