Water can evaporate with just light, no heat, says surprising study

Contrary to what we all learned in elementary school science class, it turns out that heat may not be necessary to make water evaporate. Scientists at MIT have made the surprising discovery that light alone can evaporate water, and is even more efficie… Continue reading Water can evaporate with just light, no heat, says surprising study

Solar desal system produces drinkable water quickly without clogging

Researchers have developed a new solar-powered desalination system that produces high amounts of drinkable water and uses a technique inspired by the ocean to avoid the problem of salt clogging. Scaled up, the system could provide enough drinking water… Continue reading Solar desal system produces drinkable water quickly without clogging

Low-power desalination tech may provide drinking water at disaster sites

At disaster sites, it’s not uncommon for both the water supply and electrical grid to be out of commission. That’s where a new system may someday come in, as it utilizes just a small amount of electricity – which could be stored in a battery – to desal… Continue reading Low-power desalination tech may provide drinking water at disaster sites

Wave-powered buoys vastly reduce the ecological cost of desalination

This remarkable desalination device, made from 170,000 recycled plastic bottles, runs on mechanical power from waves as it floats in the ocean, and creates up to 13,000 gallons (53,000 liters) of fresh water a day – while discharging far less concentra… Continue reading Wave-powered buoys vastly reduce the ecological cost of desalination

Egg whites used to produce a cheap, effective, water-purifying filter

As microplastics pollution and potable water scarcity both worsen, it’s becoming increasingly important to find efficient ways of filtering and desalinating seawater. A new aerogel definitely holds some promise, and it’s made from egg whites.Continue R… Continue reading Egg whites used to produce a cheap, effective, water-purifying filter

Teflon-like desalination membrane purifies water fast and friction-free

Engineers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new type of desalination membrane that they claim is faster, and requires less pressure and energy than existing tech. The new membrane is made up of a series of nanoscale tubes lined with a Teflon-… Continue reading Teflon-like desalination membrane purifies water fast and friction-free