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A self-sufficient system for fog-to-water conversion and nitrogen fertilizer production to enhance crop growth

Author

Listed:
  • Zhenwen Zhang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Tong Li

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Yongjiu Yuan

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Zhi Zhang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Chen Ling

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Xiaoxue Yao

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Hongbo Wang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Wai Kin Lo

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Qili Xu

    (City University of Hong Kong
    City University of Hong Kong)

  • Jun Liu

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Yun Hau Ng

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Long Teng

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Steven Wang

    (City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Crops require water and fertilizers to grow. However, the shortage of freshwater limits the regions where plants, especially crops, can be grown, and the misuse of chemical fertilizers imposes a burden on the environment and human health. This study develops a self-sufficient system that can passively capture water and produce plant nutrients from the air through the integration of a fog-to-water converter and a spark-type droplet-based electric generator. The proof-of-concept system, based on large-scale 3D wedged spines, achieves a fog-to-water conversion efficiency of 35% and yields nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 2.38 mg per hour per liter of water droplets. Scaling this system could boost global wheat production by approximately 1 megaton annually, even if operated for a short period each day. This approach offers a self-reliant and potentially eco-friendly solution for agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhenwen Zhang & Tong Li & Yongjiu Yuan & Zhi Zhang & Chen Ling & Xiaoxue Yao & Hongbo Wang & Wai Kin Lo & Qili Xu & Jun Liu & Yun Hau Ng & Long Teng & Steven Wang, 2025. "A self-sufficient system for fog-to-water conversion and nitrogen fertilizer production to enhance crop growth," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60340-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60340-0
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