Chinese scientists have created a material similar in structure to termite mounds, capable of absorbing about 83% of the water from the exhaust of power plants and factories, without the need for external energy sources.
Nature Water notes that, according to scientists, incorporating this material into the chimneys of a single thermal power plant could save approximately 270 million tons of water annually.
The researchers say: "Freshwater has become the subject of increasing geopolitical conflict in recent years, pushing the world towards using this vital resource more efficiently. The unique thermoregulatory system of termite mounds has enabled us to create a material that extracts water from the exhaust of industrial cooling systems, and works entirely passively."
This technology was developed by a team of Chinese materials scientists led by Professor Kou Jinping from South China University of Technology (Guangzhou), following an in-depth study of the structure and properties of termite mounds and their ability to survive in arid environments in Africa and elsewhere. The secret to this ability lies in the complex spatial structure of the mounds, which enhances cooling and moisture retention, preventing its loss outside the colony.
Scientists have suggested that a similar design could be used to purify exhaust gases in factory chimneys and cooling systems, allowing a large portion of the water to be recovered and reused.
Based on this idea, the researchers mimicked the structure of a termite mound using microscopic, sea-urchin-shaped titanium oxide spheres as a substitute for soil granules, coated with water-repellent materials. This design accelerates water vapor condensation and promotes droplet formation, preventing the formation of thin layers of moisture on surfaces.
Thanks to its unique engineering design, the water collected inside flows out automatically due to gravity, allowing the system to operate without the need for external energy sources. Initial tests on a miniature cooling tower for a thermal power plant have shown it can extract approximately 83% of the water from exhaust gases, potentially contributing to a significant reduction in water consumption in industrial facilities.
