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

Filterless portable device uses electricity to make seawater drinkable

Although there are already portable systems that create drinking water by desalinating and purifying seawater, they typically utilize filters that have to be replaced. A new MIT setup, however, just requires a small amount of electricity to get the job… Continue reading Filterless portable device uses electricity to make seawater drinkable

$4 solar desalination system produces a family’s daily drinking water

Desalination is being explored as a way to solve the shortages of drinking water that plague much of the world, but it has a few issues to iron out. A new design for a solar-powered desalination device prevents the build-up of salt, making for an effic… Continue reading $4 solar desalination system produces a family’s daily drinking water

Coal could find new use in eco-friendly desalination tech

The burning of coal may be falling out of favor as a means of generating heat and electricity, but that doesn’t mean the material no longer has any valuable uses. According to a new study, it could be utilized in the desalination of seawater.Continue R… Continue reading Coal could find new use in eco-friendly desalination tech

Braille eBooks and mask recyclers among James Dyson Award finalists

The James Dyson Award is an international competition to recognize and encourage engineering students to get creative to solve some of the most pressing problems facing the world. The national finalists from 28 regions have been announced for 2021, ahe… Continue reading Braille eBooks and mask recyclers among James Dyson Award finalists

Mixed up membrane desalinates water with 99.99 percent efficiency

That ancient mariner was onto something when he said “water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” – the vast majority of water on Earth is undrinkable. Desalination could be a vital technology to meet the world’s drinking water needs, and now Korea… Continue reading Mixed up membrane desalinates water with 99.99 percent efficiency

Mangrove roots inspire efficient “synthetic tree” water purifier

Solar stills can be a very useful way to produce drinking water from dirty or salty water, but there’s plenty of room for improvements in efficiency. Now, engineers at Virginia Tech have developed a “synthetic tree” inspired by mangroves, that mimics t… Continue reading Mangrove roots inspire efficient “synthetic tree” water purifier

New tech cheaply produces lithium and H2, while desalinating seawater

With the rise of the lithium-based battery, demand for this soft, silvery-white metal – the lightest solid element in the periodic table – has exploded. With the race to zero carbon by 2050 gathering steam, forcing the electrification of transport, lit… Continue reading New tech cheaply produces lithium and H2, while desalinating seawater

“Micro-tree” hybrid harvester purifies water and wrings it out of air

Water scarcity is one of humanity’s most pressing problems. Now engineers at Caltech have developed a new system that can tap into two different sources to produce fresh drinking water, by purifying dirty water during the day and collecting droplets fr… Continue reading “Micro-tree” hybrid harvester purifies water and wrings it out of air