What are MOFs and Why They Are Important to the Future Global Water Supply

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are one of the most promising materials ever discovered for solving critical global challenges—including water scarcity. Synthesized in the early 2000s by Prof. Omar Yaghi at UC Berkeley, MOFs are crystalline materials made from metal ions (like aluminum or zinc) bound to organic molecules known as ligands. The result is the most porous substance on Earth: a single gram of MOF can have a surface area larger than a football field.

Represent a significant opportunity to address the global water crisis. New companies are forming to capitalize on this technology advance. 

What makes MOFs remarkable for atmospheric water generation (AWG) is their ability to act like a molecular sponge. Each MOF contains hundreds of microscopic chambers that trap water molecules from the air—even in extremely dry environments like deserts. Through chemical tuning, MOFs can become hydrophilic, efficiently absorbing moisture even at relative humidity levels as low as 10%. Unlike traditional desiccants, they can be regenerated at low temperatures, requiring far less energy to release the water.

MOFs are also highly durable, with only about 2% material degradation per year, and are fully recyclable—making them a sustainable solution for long-term deployment. Just 25 kilograms of MOF material can yield up to 500 liters of fresh water per day, enabling practical water generation for off-grid, disaster relief, and drought-stricken areas.

Atoco—led by MOF pioneer Professor Omar Yaghi—to supply next-generation MOFs for its water harvesting devices. This partnership ensures scalable, high-performance MOF production critical for commercialization.

Globally, companies like Water Harvesting Inc. and Transaera are commercializing MOF-based systems for rural water access and climate-resilient cooling. Universities such as Khalifa University in the UAE are pushing the boundaries of desert water harvesting. London based Ahbstra is at the forefront in this development. 

In a world where water scarcity is accelerating due to climate change, MOFs offer a scalable, clean, and decentralized solution. As innovation moves from lab to market, MOFs may redefine how humanity sources water—by pulling it straight from the air.