Overview
- UNIST researchers report a ternary CuMnCrO4 spinel oxide evaporator that absorbs about 97% of sunlight and reaches roughly 80°C at the surface.
- The 1 m² UNIST setup produced about 4.1 liters of drinking water per hour in tests, making it the fastest oxide-based evaporator reported.
- The UNIST device uses an inverted U-shaped structure with water‑wicking fibers and hydrophobic polyester to keep salt from accumulating on the hot surface.
- Monash University and IIT Bombay unveiled SunSpring, a floating membrane with carbon “flowers” that distills up to 18 liters of fresh water per day without salt clogging inside a clear enclosure.
- The SunSpring team is refining the design ahead of field trials, while the UNIST system is presented as scalable and durable for potential off‑grid use but remains at the prototype stage.