Creating a sponge-like device fueled by solar energy that transforms seawater into drinkable water: A DIY guide?
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have introduced a solar-powered sponge aerogel that could revolutionise the way we produce clean water. The research was published in ACS Energy Letters in 2025 and reviewed in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews in 2023. For those interested in replicating this technology, here's a simplified guide to help you build a solar-powered desalination device.
## Materials Required
To construct a device similar to the 3D-printed aerogel described in recent studies, you'll need access to a 3D printer capable of printing aerogel materials, a suitable aerogel material (such as silica-based aerogels), a curved, transparent plastic sheet, a cup or container to hold seawater, a funnel, and a separate container to collect the clean water.
## Steps to Build the Device
1. Design a 3D model of the aerogel structure using software like Blender or Tinkercad. The structure should be porous and capable of efficiently absorbing seawater. Ensure the design allows for easy 3D printing.
2. Use a 3D printer to print the aerogel structure. This might require custom settings depending on the printer and material used. Ensure that the printed aerogel is structurally sound and can withstand outdoor conditions.
3. Place the printed aerogel in a container filled with seawater, ensuring it is submerged but not fully saturated. Cover the setup with a transparent, curved plastic sheet to help concentrate sunlight on the aerogel and collect water vapor.
4. Attach a funnel to the underside of the plastic cover to direct any collected water (condensed vapor) into a separate container.
5. Place the device in direct sunlight for several hours to test its efficiency. Monitor the amount of clean water collected and assess the device's performance.
## Considerations
- The device should be scalable to increase water production efficiently. - Optimize the aerogel structure and device design for maximum water evaporation and collection efficiency. - Ensure that the materials used are durable and can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and seawater.
## Alternative Methods
If 3D printing is not feasible, consider using other materials like magnetic silica aerogels synthesised via microfluidic methods or hierarchical porous aerogels made using additive freeze-printing techniques. These methods can offer similar properties but might require different equipment and expertise.
While the DIY version may be less efficient than the engineered aerogel, it can provide clean drinking water in off-grid and resource-limited settings. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to avoid contamination. The sponge material may degrade over time due to salt exposure, and the water output will be small, suitable for emergency or small-scale use.
Inspired by this concept, simple solar stills can be built at home or in emergencies using common materials. To prepare the sponge, it is coated with a thin layer of black carbon-based paint or carbon nanotube ink for improved sunlight absorption and heating. The device is set outdoors in direct sunlight for operation.
The integration of this homemade solar-powered desalination device with smart home technology could allow users to monitor and control its performance using gadgets and environmental-science apps. Moreover, research in the field of science and technology could potentially lead to the development of advanced smart-home devices designed specifically for this purpose, streamlining the process of producing clean water at home.
