SYDNEY – Researchers in Australia have created an innovative outdoor paint that can lower surface temperatures by up to 6°C while simultaneously extracting fresh water from the atmosphere.
Developed by a team from the University of Sydney and the startup Dewpoint Innovations, the new coating offers a potential breakthrough in both climate adaptation and water sustainability. During a six-month trial, the paint harvested about 390 millilitres of water per square metre daily — enough for a 12-square-metre painted surface to meet one person’s daily drinking needs.
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“This technology not only advances the science of cool roof coatings but also opens the door to sustainable, low-cost, and decentralised sources of fresh water — a critical need in the face of climate change and growing water scarcity,” said Professor Chiara Neto from the University of Sydney’s Nano Institute, who led the research.
The paint achieves its cooling and water-harvesting effects by reflecting up to 97% of sunlight and radiating heat into the surrounding air. As the surface cools, it creates conditions for atmospheric moisture to condense into droplets — similar to how a bathroom mirror fogs up after a hot shower. When applied to slanted roofs, the droplets roll off and can be collected through gutters.
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Dr Ming Chiu, chief technology officer at Dewpoint Innovations, noted that the paint’s internal porous structure delivers high reflectivity and durability without relying on environmentally harmful pigments. The researchers believe the technology could help cool cities, conserve energy, and provide a supplementary source of drinking water in dry regions.