Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study was led by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation, with significant contributions from UNSW Associate Professor Rakesh Joshi and Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov.

Advanced computational simulations were utilized, conducted on the Australian National Computational Infrastructure supercomputer, to understand the molecular interactions that enhance the material's performance.

The study emphasizes the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing major global challenges like clean water access, paving the way for further development and potential industry partnerships to scale the technology.

The material was developed in an aerogel form, characterized by its lightweight and porous structure, which allows for rapid absorption and easy release of water, requiring minimal energy for heating.

By maximizing its surface area, the aerogel facilitates quicker water adsorption and simpler desorption processes, making it an efficient solution for regions with high humidity but limited access to potable water.

While the research shows promise, further development is necessary to scale the technology for practical applications in addressing water scarcity.

An international scientific collaboration has unveiled a groundbreaking nanomaterial that can efficiently extract potable water from atmospheric water vapor, significantly outpacing existing technologies.

This innovative nanomaterial, based on calcium-intercalated graphene oxide, can hold more than three times its weight in water, enhancing water adsorption through stronger hydrogen bonding.

The research underscores the global water crisis, highlighting that 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, while approximately 13 million gigalitres of water are suspended in Earth's atmosphere, representing a substantial potential source of fresh water.

The collaboration involved research teams from Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, and India, showcasing a unified global effort to tackle water scarcity issues.