Researchers have created a 'graphene sieve' that removes salt from seawater. Graphene is the world's thinnest material, a layer of pure carbon that is incredibly strong. A team at Manchester University in the UK made an oxidized membrane with tiny holes. Water can flow through it freely, but salt can't .
It's hoped the technology will revolutionize water filtration. Current desalination is extremely energy intensive and expensive. Cheap seawater filtration would provide safe drinking water for millions of people. The sea offers a potentially limitless source of water if the salt can be extracted easily.
1 in 10 people currently lack access to safe drinking water. The UN also estimates that 1.8 billion people will face water scarcity by 2025.
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