Hydrophilic–hydrophobic hybrid gel for effective humidity capture and response

Abstract

Efficient atmospheric water harvesting has been a focal point in the broad spectrum of water collection sources, to alleviate the challenges caused by water shortage. Herein, we report a systematic approach focused on preparing a polymer hydrophobic–hydrophilic gel, doped with super hygroscopic materials (SHMs), enabling high moisture capture, color response, and in situ moisture storage. The hybrid gel quickly achieves a water uptake of 100% under different humidity levels from 43% to 98%. The hybrid gel achieves not only the capture of moisture but also the response of an obvious color change from blue to pink, visible to the naked eye. The interesting properties of the hybrid gel give rise to a wide range of possibilities in design and engineering for humidity capture response and detection application, providing bright prospects for the next generation of atmospheric water harvesting systems.