The California-based startup Atoco, founded by 2025 Nobel laureate Omar Yaghi, has developed an off-grid device that extracts water from the air using metal-organic frameworks (MOF). These sponge-like molecular structures capture water molecules, which are then released through heating at approximately 38 degrees Celsius. The process requires no external power grid.
A six-meter-tall prototype at the company's Irvine office produces up to 300 liters of water daily. During testing, the unit operated silently using a heat source at 66 degrees Celsius, while a solar panel powered the auxiliary electronics. The output is equivalent to distilled water, though it is not yet approved for human consumption.
CEO Samir Taha notes that the technology utilizes waste heat, which is abundant in industrial settings and data centers. By capturing this low-grade heat, the system aims to offset the significant water consumption required for cooling large server facilities. The company is currently refining the MOF material to optimize energy efficiency.
Atoco has deployed five networked prototypes across the United States and the Persian Gulf. The company plans to open orders by the end of the year, with a commercial version expected to produce up to 1,000 liters per day. Current production costs are $5 per metric ton, with a target of $2 within three to five years.
