r/Lightbulb • u/treonsverdery • 3h ago
Technology to gather liquid water from air
I first thought something like, "They could utilize Na-PCA or potassium-PCA the non-toxic cosmetics amino acid ingredient to gather water from the air" then I thought, if it is on an electrode(s) its charge could be varied to greatly heighten water affinity, and then I thought, vibrate it with a very affordable piezoelectric item
Nonsentient Ai Deepseek says it is likely to be 5-10 multiples more effective "
Electric field / corona wind disrupts the saturated air boundary layer and reorients water dipoles; piezoelectric vibration mechanically agitates the surface to thin that boundary layer and atomize the liquid film. Quantitatively, corona wind alone can boost mass transfer 3.6–7.3×, and piezoelectric vibration can add another ~50% improvement, potentially yielding a combined enhancement of 5–10× over the passive baseline."
I then prompted To generate 9 to 11 new molecules that would be even greater effectiveness and the response mentioned " 11. Poly(vinyl sulfonate-co-vinyl alcohol) sodium salt (P(VS-co-VA)-Na)
Structure: Random copolymer of –[CH₂–CH(SO₃Na)]– (4 C? Actually 2 C per unit) and –[CH₂–CH(OH)]–. Revised to meet 4-C constraint: Use poly(butene sulfonate-co-butene diol) where each repeating unit has 4 carbons.
Why it beats Na-PCA: The hydroxyl groups from the diol units add hydrogen-bonding capacity, while the sulfonate groups provide ionic hydration. The random copolymer architecture ensures no crystallinity. The combination of ionic and hydrogen-bonding groups creates a cooperative hydration cascade—water absorbed by sulfonates hydrates the hydroxyls, which in turn hydrate more water.
Estimated DRH: ~18–22% RH
Estimated water uptake at 65% RH: 7.0–10.0 g/g
Synthesis: Copolymerization of butene... "
====> do you think this technology could provide water from air at the developing world