Xiang Tianyi, Xie Shangzhen, Chen Guopeng, Zhang Congji, Guo Zhiguang
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Hubei Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
Mater Horiz. 2025 Feb 17;12(4):1084-1105. doi: 10.1039/d4mh00986j.
Water scarcity is a pressing issue worldwide. Given the ample atmospheric water sources, water harvesting from the atmosphere presents a promising solution to this challenge. In recent years, the solar-driven atmospheric water harvesting technology utilizing an adsorption-desorption process has garnered considerable interest. This is attributed to the abundant availability of solar energy, advanced adsorbents, improved photothermal materials, sophisticated interface heating system designs, and efficient thermal management techniques, all of which collectively enhance conversion efficiency. This article provides an overview of the advancements in atmospheric water collection, specifically focusing on hygroscopic water harvesting driven by solar energy. The discussion also encompasses the roles of materials, surfaces, equipment, and systems in enhancing water collection efficiency. By outlining both the advantages and challenges of atmospheric water collection, this study aims to shed light on future research directions in this research field.