A Nobel Prize–winning chemist has unveiled a machine that can pull clean drinking water from desert air, even when humidity drops to just 20%.
Professor Omar Yaghi, awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on metal-organic frameworks, developed the solar-powered system. About the size of a shipping container, the device is designed for use in arid regions with limited access to electricity.
The technology relies on ultra-porous, sponge-like materials that capture water molecules from the air. When heated by sunlight, the trapped moisture is released, condensed, and collected as potable water.
Reports say the system can produce up to 1,000 liters of water per day in harsh desert conditions, offering a potential solution for drought-affected communities and disaster zones.
Yaghi said his motivation stems from childhood memories of waiting for water deliveries that came only once every week or two. He hopes future scientists will continue developing technologies that address major global challenges, emphasizing that scientific discovery is open to anyone willing to dedicate themselves to the work.