Researchers at the University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom, have created an innovative device that filters dirty or salty water and produces clean, renewable energy. The object, which is just a few centimeters long, uses sunlight and produces green hydrogen. This way, it will be possible to take drinking water and fuel to difficult-to-reach places.
As the developers explain, devices similar to this can only generate hydrogen from clean drinking water. But, with this new feature, it is possible to use dirty, sea, muddy or even clean water. This versatility will allow the device to be used in different situations, including bringing drinking water and energy to people in difficult-to-access places.
According to the study, published in the journal Nature Water, the device captures sunlight through a white layer, which absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This energy then causes the collected water to boil, making some of it hydrogen and the other drinking water.
For the device to work, scientists explain that sunlight is captured by a white layer capable of absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation that falls on its surface. Through this energy, the collected water enters a boiling state, with part becoming hydrogen and the other becoming drinking water.
As Mohamad Annua, one of the study’s authors, explains, the device “has a very simple design”. This ends up being a great advantage, as it allows it to be easily used in distant communities. The researcher also guarantees that the product “is very tolerant to pollutants, and the floating design allows the substrate to work in very turbid or muddy waters”.
Despite being promising, the device still needs to undergo some tests before being available on the market. Tests must also be carried out on the quality of the water produced.
( source: Digital Agro/ Katiuscia Mizokami)
