Microtubular PEDOT-Coated Bricks for Atmospheric Water Harvesting

Abstract

Atmospheric water harvesting is a promising technology for alleviating global water scarcity. Current water sorption materials efficiently capture water vapor from ubiquitous air; however, they are difficult to scale up due to high costs, complex device engineering, and intensive energy consumption. Fired red brick, a low-cost masonry construction material, holds the potential for developing large-scale functional architectures. Here, we utilize fired red brick for atmospheric water harvesting by integrating a microtubular coating of the conducting polymer PEDOT within its inorganic microstructure. This microtubular polymer coating affords hygroscopicity and high surface area for water nucleation, enables capillary forces to promote water transport, and enhances the water harvesting efficiency. Our brick composite achieves a maximum water vapor uptake of ∼200 wt % versus polymer mass at 95% relative humidity, decreasing to ∼15 wt % at 40% relative humidity. Facile water release is demonstrated via thermal, electrical, and illuminative heating. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of masonry construction materials for large-scale atmospheric water harvesting.

Recent advances in porous adsorbent assisted atmospheric water harvesting: a review of adsorbent materials

“…As shown in Figure 16B, the introduction of a hydrophobic methyl group not only results in the loss of the S-type water adsorption isotherm but also leads to a reduction in the water adsorption capacity [100] . In addition, the functionality of the metal sites may also influence the adsorbent properties [153] . Rieth et al modulated the inflection pressure of water vapor adsorption isotherm of MOFs through cation exchange and obtained a series of MOFs with different psaAWH performances [87] .…”

Alginate Biopolymeric Coated Heat Exchanger for Atmospheric Water Harvesting

“…To address the challenge of producing water in dry climates, materials scientists have been investigating the synthesis and processing of various types of sorbent materials, including minerals such as clays, − silica gel, − metal–organic-frameworks (MOFs), − and polymers. − When exposed to ambient humidity, sorbent materials can absorb water vapor molecules through chemisorption and/or physisorption mechanisms. , The sorbent materials reported in the literature typically require high regeneration temperatures of up to 120 °C in some cases to release water molecules from the sorbent. During the regeneration process, these free water vapor molecules (at higher temperatures and pressures) undergo condensation as they contact colder surfaces with a dew point above that during the water capture stage.…”

Hygroscopic and Photothermal All-Polymer Foams for Efficient Atmospheric Water Harvesting, Passive Humidity Management, and Protective Packaging

“…Although some powder and liquid desiccants (i.e., hygroscopic salts, silica gel, zeolite, and glycerin) have been used for conventional sorption-based dehumidification, there are significant challenges in developing bulk desiccants with tailorable structures, stable water adsorption/desorption, and low energy input for regeneration. − The incorporation of organic/inorganic hybrid desiccants within porous three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds is of particular interest, enabling the development of hybrid desiccants with multidimensional shapes (i.e., fabrics, gels, membranes, aerogels, hydrogels, and foams). − Emerging desiccants based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown rapid water vapor adsorption and desorption. − It is noted that 3D hybrid desiccants can release water and become regenerated via low-grade thermal energy intake (i.e., waste heat and solar energy) with the help of photothermal or radiative cooling materials, minimizing the carbon footprints of air conditioning. − The reversible water uptake/release and good long-term stability provide a potential avenue for using 3D hybrid desiccants as indoor humidity regulators compared to conventional humidifiers (i.e., based on evaporation and steam) and dehumidifiers (i.e., based on air conditioning and refrigeration). − …”