A novel system for collecting water from natural sources. A research team has developed a method that allows water to be obtained from fog and dew. The researchers belong to the Smart Materials Laboratory (SML) and the Center for Smart Engineering Materials at New York University in Abu Dhabi. Patrick Commins and Marieh B. Al-Handawi participated in the study.
INDICE
Condensation process and displacement of the condensed water
A process that achieves condensation of the vapor spontaneously. Upon condensation, the liquid moves across an organic crystal surface that progressively sublimates. The researchers observed that the modification in the channels that occur on the surface of the crystal conduct the water once it has condensed.
With condensation, the liquid moves across the surface of the organic crystal
Hexachlorobenzene crystals as part of the system. Hexachlorobenzene is commonly used as a fungicide. In this study, researchers have been able to identify the process that takes place in this type of crystals and results in condensation and water displacement.
Sublimation defines the surface of the material. As the researchers found, small particles such as dust moved autonomously through defined parallel channels. The study showed that the movement of the particles is caused by the displacement of condensed water moving through the channels.
The researchers observed how small individuals moved through parallel channels

Fuente: Commins, Patrick, et al. “Autonomous and directional flow of water and transport of particles across a subliming dynamic crystal surface.” Nature Chemistry (2023): 1-8.
Future applications open the door to fog and dew water harvesting. This mechanism is currently used by some types of plants, and even insects, to survive in arid areas. In view of the observations made by the researchers, the foundations are laid for the development of new technologies to collect water from sources such as fog and dew.
Conclusion
Understanding the mechanisms is an opportunity for innovation. As the research developed by the team led by Commins has shown us, research is the key to a better understanding of the phenomena that occur in wastewater treatment. In this way, new technological alternatives can be produced with great applications that allow us to be more sustainable.
Related news
Investigadores diseñan sensores que permiten detectar toxinas en el agua
Investigadores de la Universidad de Cincinatti diseñan un sensor que detecta toxinas del agua antes de que acceda a la planta de tratamiento
Desinfección de agua contra las bacterias resistentes a antibióticos
Una investigación, analiza la capacidad de desinfección de distintos desinfectantes contra las bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos
Detectar la ingesta de pesticidas a través de las aguas residuales
Una investigación analiza la ingesta de pesticidas en una población residual analizando sus aguas residuales