This jacket can turn air into drinking water, producing nearly 1 liter a day

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a water-generating jacket that can collect moisture from the air and convert it into drinkable water, opening new possibilities for portable water solutions. The specially designed wearable uses advanced textile technology to capture water vapour, transform it into liquid and store it in detachable collection units.

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The innovation could help people working or travelling in areas where access to clean water remains a challenge. Scientists believe the technology may benefit hikers, campers, runners, agricultural workers, emergency teams and military personnel operating in remote locations.

Special textile helps jacket harvest water from air

The jacket uses a newly developed fabric that attracts moisture from the atmosphere and guides it through the material. Once collected, the water vapour is heated and condensed to produce drinking water.

According to the researchers, the jacket can produce around 400 to 900 millilitres of water every day, depending on the level of humidity in the surrounding environment.

The team explained that the textile was designed to solve a major problem faced by earlier atmospheric water-harvesting technologies, efficiently moving captured moisture from air into usable liquid form.

Research shows higher efficiency than existing materials

The study, published in Nature Water, found that the textile performed three to ten times better than traditional atmospheric water-harvesting materials when tested at a practical scale.

Researchers improved the performance by creating fibres that allow water to move more effectively through the fabric, helping the material capture and release moisture faster.

Technology could expand beyond jackets

Scientists are now looking at adapting the material for other products, including backpacks, tents, emergency shelters and outdoor equipment.

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The researchers believe these applications could help provide a dependable water source during natural disasters, remote operations and in regions facing serious water shortages.

Solar-powered device also delivers clean water

Along with the wearable jacket, the researchers tested another water-harvesting system powered by solar energy. The device produced 1.3 litres of clean water per day in desert and semi-humid conditions.

The system also recorded an output of 4.3 litres of water per kilogram of moisture-collecting material each day, marking a major improvement in atmospheric water collection.

Scientists see wider use for water-harvesting technology

Researchers said these developments could bring air-based water collection technology closer to everyday use. The innovation may support efforts to improve access to clean drinking water, especially in some of the world's driest regions where traditional water sources are limited.