As water scarcity worsens due to climate change, atmospheric water harvesting is emerging as a sustainable solution for freshwater supply in regions with limited access. This study presents an energy-efficient atmospheric water harvesting device based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Unlike existing systems that operate only once daily using temperature differences between day and night or require electricity, the proposed device collects water multiple times daily without external power. Integrating MOFs with manual vacuum pump and low-temperature sources like soil accelerated water collection up to fourfold compared to non-vacuum conditions. Incorporating MOFs into a porous sponge shaped into beads or films enhanced water uptake efficiency and portability. This approach offers a promising strategy for freshwater production across diverse climate conditions.

Dry reservoirs and erratic rain in South Korea led me to seek low-tech water solutions. I remembered Metal-Organic Frameworks could pull moisture from air. I wondered if embedding them in a sponge and using a simple hand pump could squeeze out water—and that spark led me to this project.