A recent MIT discovery — the photomolecular effect — challenges the conventional evaporation process by harnessing light to control molecular movement. Among many potential applications, this breakthrough allows scientists to manipulate water molecules using light pulses, potentially transforming desalination, purification, and environmental remediation processes. By harnessing this effect, MIT researchers open new avenues for sustainable water treatment technologies that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This innovation holds promise for addressing global water scarcity challenges and improving access to clean water worldwide, marking a significant step towards a future where light-driven technologies play a crucial role in shaping the sustainable management of Earth’s most precious resource.
This video by Two Bit da Vinci is a great summary of the discovery and it’s potential.
Press Release:
MIT: How light can vaporize water without the need for heat
https://news.mit.edu/2024/how-light-can-vaporize-water-without-heat-0423