Finding Fixes

Researchers in Princeton’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering are focusing on developing hydrogels to address challenges in water purification. These flexible gels — composed of sponge-like networks of polymers — can absorb and release water quickly, leaving contaminants behind. Users could toss the device in a water source, remove it once saturated, and get filtered water. A square meter of the one-centimeter-thick material can produce over a gallon of water in 10 minutes. Pictured here is a magnified hydrogel, showcasing its fibrous structure that resembles a loofah.