Researchers develop water-harvesting jacket, generating drinking water from air

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed an innovative textile-based technology that can collect drinking water directly from the air. The new approach transforms the concept into a lightweight and wearable solution. The findings were recently published in the journal Science Advances.

The research team created a specially designed jacket capable of harvesting moisture from the surrounding air. According to Guihua Yu, one of the study’s authors, the goal was to rethink how water-harvesting technology could be used in everyday life. He explained that if the fabric itself can gather water from the atmosphere, it creates new possibilities for personal and portable access to clean water.

Unlike conventional moisture-absorbing fabrics, the textile developed by the researchers is designed to actively collect water and channel it into detachable harvesting units. This unique transport system allows the material to function effectively in a wearable format rather than only in controlled laboratory conditions.

Once the moisture is collected, the harvesting units can be connected to a foldable collection device and heated to produce drinkable water. This process enables the captured atmospheric moisture to be converted into a usable water source.

During testing, the jacket produced between 400 and 900 milliliters of drinking water per day, depending on humidity levels. This amount is roughly equivalent to 14 to 30 ounces of water. The results demonstrate the technology’s potential to provide a portable source of hydration in various environments.

Although the prototype was developed in the form of a jacket, the researchers believe the same textile technology could be incorporated into other products such as backpacks, tents, and outdoor equipment. By integrating water-harvesting capabilities into everyday items, the technology could expand access to water in situations where traditional sources are limited.