Scientists Develop Bubble Wrap Gel That Can Produce Drinking Water From Air

In a groundbreaking advance that could transform access to clean drinking water around the world, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an innovative gel that looks like bubble wrap and can harvest water vapor from the air—without relying on electricity or solar power.

The remarkable new material has been hailed as a potential game-changer for arid regions where clean water is scarce or completely unavailable. According to a report published in the prestigious journal Nature Water, the device uses a simple but effective design: the gel is sandwiched between two glass panels. During the night, when temperatures are cooler and relative humidity increases, the gel absorbs water vapor from the surrounding air. By morning, the vapor condenses into liquid water, collecting on the interior surface of the glass.

How It Works: Cooling Without Energy

What makes this technology particularly noteworthy is that it leverages passive cooling principles rather than requiring any external energy source. The outer surface of the glass is treated with a special coating that allows it to remain significantly cooler than the ambient air. Because cooler surfaces attract moisture from warmer air, the water naturally condenses on the glass without mechanical refrigeration or solar thermal systems.

This process, known as radiative cooling, essentially allows the surface to radiate heat into the sky and drop in temperature relative to the environment. The combination of radiative cooling and the moisture-absorbing gel means water harvesting can occur reliably—even at night or during overcast conditions—making it dramatically more versatile than other water collection systems that depend on sunlight or electrical power.

Works in Extreme Heat

To demonstrate its effectiveness, researchers tested the gel-based device in Death Valley, California, one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. Remarkably, even under extreme heat, the prototype successfully produced enough pure drinking water to fill a glass each day. Importantly, the collected water was clean and did not require further treatment before consumption.

MIT scientists believe this ability to operate without electricity or solar panels could make the technology especially impactful for remote communities, refugee camps, or disaster zones where infrastructure is limited or damaged.

Potential to Help Solve the Global Water Crisis

The global water crisis affects billions of people. According to the United Nations, over 2 billion individuals lack access to safe drinking water, while climate change and population growth are intensifying shortages. Traditional water collection technologies, such as desalination or mechanical dehumidifiers, require substantial energy inputs, specialized equipment, and maintenance, which can be prohibitively expensive for under-resourced communities.

In contrast, MIT’s bubble wrap gel can be produced in small, portable units that are inexpensive and easy to deploy. The materials themselves are relatively low-cost, and the system is designed to require minimal upkeep. This combination of affordability, simplicity, and reliability makes the technology particularly promising for humanitarian applications.

How It Compares to Other Solutions

Existing water-harvesting systems often rely on photovoltaic panels or electricity to power fans and cooling mechanisms. While effective in some regions, these methods have limitations:

They may not function at night or in cloudy weather.

They require batteries or grid power, adding cost and complexity.

They are harder to scale down for small households or individuals.


By contrast, MIT’s gel-based system operates passively in almost any climate, day or night, without generating emissions or using fuel. This makes it environmentally sustainable and highly adaptable.

Next Steps for Deployment

The researchers are now working to refine the design for large-scale manufacturing. One of the primary goals is to increase the daily water yield so that each unit can provide more water for multiple people. Scaling production could also drive costs down further, making the technology even more accessible in developing regions.

The team envisions future applications including:

Rooftop installations in villages with water scarcity.

Emergency relief kits for drought-stricken areas.

Compact personal devices for hikers, campers, or military personnel operating in remote locations.


A Beacon of Hope
 

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Taxonomy

• Technology
• Atmospheric Water Generator
• IT
• Produced Water
• Drinking Water
• Atmospheric Water Generation
• California, United States
• Water from Air
• Water from Urine