Using a unique hydrogel, scientists in Saudi Arabia have created a solar-driven system that successfully grows spinach by using water drawn from the air while producing electricity. The proof-of-concept design offers a sustainable and low-cost strategy to improve food, water, and power security for people in arid regions. The system is composed of a solar photovoltaic panel placed atop a later of hydrogel, which is mounted on top of a large metal box to condense and collect water. The hydrogel is able to absorb water vapor from ambient air and release the water content when heated. Waste heat from the solar panels help drive absorbed water out of the hydrogel, which then condenses and collects in the metal box. Over the course of a two-week experiment, the system generated 1,519 watt-hours of electricity and 2 liters of water. 57 out of 60 of the water spinach seeds sprouted and grew normally to 18 centimeters. To turn the proof-of-concept design into an actual product, the team plans to use better hydrogels that can absorb more water from the air.
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