A Robust and Low‐Cost Sulfonated Hypercrosslinked Polymer for Atmospheric Water Harvesting

Abstract

AbstractThe availability of freshwater is rapidly declining due to over‐exploitation and climate change, with multiple parts of the globe already facing significant freshwater scarcity. Here, a sulfonated hypercrosslinked polymer able to repeatedly harvest significant amounts of water via direct air capture is reported. Water uptake from relative humidities as low as 10% is demonstrated, mimicking some of the harshest environments on Earth. A water harvesting device is used to show repeated uptake and harvesting without significant detriment to adsorbent performance. Desorption is triggered using simulated sunlight, presenting a low‐energy route to water harvesting and adsorbent regeneration. The synthesis of sulfonated hypercrosslinked polymer requires only low‐cost and readily available reagents, offering excellent potential for scale‐up. Due to an almost limitless supply of water vapor from air in most regions around the globe, this approach can transform our ability to address water security concerns.