Silica Gels for Atmospheric Water Harvesting

Hydrophobic organically modified silica gels were coated on sand-blasted steel substrates. The gel surfaces were patterned using silicone rubber molds and nickel mesh. Smooth, grooved and hexagonally imprinted surfaces were compared for their ability to condense water from water vapor. The patterns of horizontal lines were best able to condense the vapor in a way that lead to more liquid water collection per area. The motivation for the study is developing surfaces that harvest clean water in places that experience drought.