Exploring the Roles of Superwetting in Atmospheric Water Harvesting

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is an emerging technology to extract water from the atmosphere, aiming to alleviate the worldwide water crisis. Water capture and transportation are two primary processes in AWH systems that are closely linked to surface superwetting. It is important to understand the roles of superwetting in advanced AWH technologies. In this Perspective, AWH is explored through the lens of superwetting. We first discuss the relationship between water and solid surfaces based on typical wetting models. Then, the crucial roles of superwetting in current AWH systems are illustrated on the basis of the water capture and transportation processes. Ultimately, we highlight the scientific challenges and application requirements of AWH technologies.