Enhanced condensation performance of a thermoelectric‐based atmospheric water generator using superhydrophobic surfaces

Abstract Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology based on thermoelectric cooling (TEC) offers an alternative solution for water scarcity. However, its efficiency is limited by low condensation performance. This study developed a nanostructured superhydrophobic copper surface to enhance the condensation performance of TEC‐based AWG systems. The surface was fabricated via chemical etching followed by a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating, and the process was optimized by varying the etching temperature and duration. Compared with a polished copper surface, the superhydrophobic surface increased the water harvesting rate (WHR) by 48% and reduced the unit power consumption (UPC) by 51% under the tested operating conditions. SEM observations revealed that well‐developed CuO nanoflower structures obtained at an etching temperature of 70°C for 60 min promoted droplet mobility by minimizing contact angle hysteresis and sliding angle. Durability tests further showed that the surface maintained stable wettability over 6 weeks without significant degradation. Overall, these results demonstrate that superhydrophobic copper surfaces can substantially improve TEC‐AWG efficiency by enhancing condensation and reducing energy demand, providing a scalable and context‐appropriate solution for off‐grid, rural, and industrial applications.