Patterned Surface Coating for Water Harvesting

Executive Summary

In arid regions worldwide, there is a critical need for supplying water for drinking, agriculture and public use. However, these regions often have limited well capacity or water is available but is brackish, saline or contaminated. One possible solution it to capture the water from moist air. While several technologies exist for this purpose, they are often costly or ineffective, thus limiting their practical implementation. MSU researchers have developed new way of patterning surfaces with an eco-friendly, simple and scalable coating method. The surfaces effectively condense and transfer water which can be collected and use for other purposes. Panels coated with the MSU technology can be static and do not require power to operate, thus providing a simple cost effective solution.

Description of Technology

The technology is a photopolymerization-based coating inspired by natural surfaces, such as the carapace of the Namib desert beetle. During preparation, phase separating occurs which enables control of surface roughness (e.g. physical patterning). The resulting pattern has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments to it. Extensive testing has been done in the laboratory with outdoor testing planned.

Benefits

Simple manufacturing process does not require molds, additive manufacturing or machining – application on site feasible
Does not use toxic chemicals or PFA’S
Uses commonly available and commercially viable precursors
Effective water condensation and transport
Water harvesting rates 3x greater than a plain uncoated glass control
Dirt resistant and maintains surface properties after months of exposure to high temperature and humidity environments
Does not require power or complicated equipment such as condensers to operate

Applications