Researchers at the University of Rochester have unveiled a solar‑thermal desalination device that turns seawater into drinking water without producing brine. The system uses black metal panels etched with femtosecond lasers, creating a super‑wicking surface that draws a thin water film, absorbs almost all sunlight, and vaporizes it. Salt and minerals migrate to a passive zone, keeping the active area clear.

Traditional reverse‑osmosis and thermal distillation units consume large energy loads and discharge concentrated brine that harms marine ecosystems. By contrast, the Rochester panels remain self‑cleaning even when exposed to full‑spectrum ocean water containing magnesium, calcium and other ions, which would normally crystallize and clog surfaces. Tests on Pacific, Atlantic and Indian samples confirmed sustained freshwater output and solid‑salt recovery.

A companion paper shows the same super‑wicking surface can isolate lithium by embedding hydrogen‑titanate nanoparticles in the grooves, extracting about half of the lithium from Great Salt Lake brine. Pulling lithium and table salt from seawater could ease mining pressure and feed battery makers. Funded by NSF, Gates Foundation and Worldwide Universities Network, the prototype offers a scalable route to clean water and resource recovery.