Abstract
Urbanization and climate change intensify global water scarcity, pushing cities to seek sustainable and decentralized water sources. This paper proposes a novel approach: atmospheric dew capture via electro-osmotic chitin foams integrated into urban high-rise facades. The core concept leverages the inherent hygroscopic properties of highly porous chitin foam for passive dew/humidity absorption, complemented by a low-voltage electro-osmotic mechanism to actively drive the captured water towards collection channels, preventing re-evaporation and enhancing yield. This system aims to transform building exteriors into active atmospheric water harvesting arrays, offering a renewable, low-energy solution for non-potable water supply in densely populated areas. We outline the conceptual design, material considerations, and a plausible pathway for experimental validation, envisioning a future where buildings contribute actively to their own water resilience.
