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Sulfonated Polyethylene for Solar-Driven Atmospheric Water Harvesting
Jian Zheng1, Chen Wang2, Jin Qian1
1School of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|July 13, 2026
Summary
This study introduces sulfonated polyethylene (PE) as a cost-effective material for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH). This innovative sorbent efficiently captures and releases water using solar energy, offering a sustainable solution for freshwater production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) offers a solution to water scarcity.
- Existing sorbents face challenges like high cost, complex synthesis, and leaching.
- Sorbent regeneration often requires energy-intensive heating.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a low-cost, scalable, and safe sorbent for AWH.
- To utilize commodity polyolefins for efficient water capture and release.
- To enable energy-efficient, solar-driven water harvesting.
Main Methods:
- Modification of polyethylene (PE) via a straightforward sulfonation process.
- Introduction of hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups onto the PE backbone.
- Evaluation of water vapor sorption performance and durability through dynamic vapor sorption measurements.
Main Results:
- Sulfonated PE demonstrated strong water vapor sorption (up to 0.58 g/g at 90% RH).
- The material exhibited excellent durability over 60 sorption cycles.
- Intrinsic photothermal properties enabled efficient solar-driven water release without external energy input.
Conclusions:
- Sulfonated PE is a viable, low-cost, and scalable sorbent for atmospheric water harvesting.
- The material offers a sustainable route for upcycling polyolefin plastics.
- This approach supports practical and energy-efficient freshwater production.
