US researcher Guihua Yu wins Global distinction for pioneering solar and hydrogel water technologies

Professor Guihua Yu, a leading researcher from the United States, has been awarded the Innovative Individual Award (Distinguished Researcher category) during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The award recognises his groundbreaking work in developing soft materials and hydrogel-based systems for solar-powered water purification and atmospheric water harvesting.

Supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the USD 1 million global award honours exceptional innovations that address water scarcity through renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

Professor Yu, an academic at the University of Texas and Director of the Centre for NanoTech for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, has pioneered a suite of technologies that include high-efficiency solar desalination using floating “energy hydrogels”, atmospheric water harvesting through hygroscopic microgels and biodegradable nanocellulose-based hydrogel filters capable of removing ultrafine particles with record efficiency.

His soft-material systems have achieved significant breakthroughs as the solar-powered hydrogel desalination system boasts over 95% energy efficiency under natural sunlight while the atmospheric harvester passively collects water from the air and releases it when heated by the sun. His filter technology, which requires no electricity and can be operated manually or via applied weight, offers a simple, scalable and sustainable method of water purification.

With an H-index of approximately 190 and over 20 key patents in the water purification field, Professor Yu’s work is widely recognised by academic and global institutions. He actively engages with the international community through lectures, guest essays and panel discussions hosted by platforms such as the World Economic Forum, BBC, Bloomberg and National Geographic, advocating sustainable water solutions and freshwater scarcity.

“As the global population and economy grow and climate change accelerates, the demand for clean energy and clean water becomes increasingly urgent. Developing effective solutions for sustainable water management is one of today’s greatest challenges. I appreciate His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for establishing this visionary award. It is a noble initiative that raises global awareness about the importance of water solutions and helps make this vital resource accessible to communities around the world,” said Professor Yu.