Composite Desiccant Research Articles

Double-ended vacuum tube collector based solar powered atmospheric water harvesting by using composite desiccant material ‘Jute/CaCl₂’

ABSTRACT Amidst increasing fresh water crisis, sorption based solar powered atmospheric water harvesting (SPAWH) offers a promising solution to this problem. The available sorption based systems use composite desiccants that are expensive and artificially processed, which restricts their scalability and practical implementation. Moreover, the required desorption temperature available from the system is also low. The proposed system develops and experimentally investigates a novel composite desiccant material synthesized using anhydrous CaCl₂ impregnated in Jute (intrinsic host material), which is cheap and naturally available. To desorb the composite desiccant, 4.86 m2 double-ended vacuum tube collector is used, which produces peak hot air temperature of 134.2°C. The developed system using 12 kg composite of Jute/CaCl₂ harvests 5850 ml/day of water at 0.086 $/L cost with 13.93% thermal and 8.66% exergy efficiency. The results of the water analysis verify that the harvested water is of good quality and is safe for use.

Experimental analysis and investigation of desiccant coated heat exchanger applications involving condensation and sorption mechanisms

This study focuses on the application of desiccant coated heat exchangers (DCHEs) in conditions where condensation occurs below the dew point temperature. Previous experimental studies on DCHEs and DCHPs have predominantly examined the sorption mechanism above the dew point, leaving a gap regarding material selection and system design in the presence of condensation. To address this, a guide is introduced that combines the understanding of condensation and sorption processes for desiccant applications. The guide is applied to evaluate the suitability of a superabsorbent-LiCl (SAP-LiCl) composite desiccant for desiccant coated heat pump (DCHP) applications. The stability of the desiccant in the presence of condensed water droplets is validated. Additionally, an experimental investigation explores the relationship between sorption and condensation mechanisms, identifying the transitional coolant temperature at which dehumidification shifts from condensation-dominant to sorption-dominant. By incrementally adjusting the coolant temperature in 5 °C steps, the transitional temperature of the SAP-LiCl based DCHE is determined to be approximately 15 °C under the target operation scenario, rendering its suitability for additional below-dew-point applications. The study reveals optimal operational parameters for DCHE, demonstrating a potential energy saving of 20 %. Based on these findings, a DCHP prototype is constructed to assess the feasibility of DCHE in real-world applications. The transient behaviors of this prototype are analyzed during each operating cycle, yielding a coefficient of performance of 4.97 and a cooling capacity of 1.5 kW under baseline operating conditions.

Coupled system for underground heating exchange and solar heat-humidity regulation in greenhouse: Experimental study and simulation analysis

In winter, greenhouses located in mid to high latitudes are required a function of dehumidification and warming due to the low outdoor temperature. Focusing on small spires greenhouses, this study regulates the low temperature and high humidity environment inside the greenhouse and proposes a new-type of greenhouse heat and humidity regulation system by combining composite solid desiccant dehumidification with ground heat exchange system. The greenhouse internal environment is warmed and dehumidified at night by utilizing the adsorption effect of the compound dehumidifier and the sensible heat exchange between the heat exchange system in the ground and the greenhouse. Solar thermal energy is collected during the day using multi-curved tank collector (MTC) for thermal storage in the geothermal system and desiccant desorption. The rationality of pipeline layout is verified through CFD simulation, and the indoor temperature and humidity distribution during the system operation is explored. The experimental results show that the moisture adsorption capacity of the composite desiccant SG-CaCl2 for 10h is 0.511 g/g. The optimal regeneration temperature is 80–100 °C. This system can reduce the nighttime relative humidity of the greenhouse in winter from 96.5 % to 83.6 %, and the average indoor air temperature after warming is 12.8 °C. The heat exchange efficiency of the underground heating exchange system is 0.38. During the desorption phase on daytime, the maximum outlet temperature of MTC is 103.8 °C, and the average heat collection efficiency is 0.42. The system can effectively regulate the air environment in the greenhouse to the appropriate zone for crop growth by combining solar thermal collector technology with recyclable solid dehumidification technology.

Solar regenerated carbon-based composite desiccant coated heat exchangers for air dehumidification

Desiccant dehumidification can realize decoupling of latent and sensible heat loads in dehumidified air conditioning, thereby reducing energy consumption. This paper proposes a solar regenerated carbon-based composite desiccant coated heat exchangers (DCHE) for air dehumidification. Carbon-based composite desiccant is electrostatically sprayed onto the surface of the heat exchanger to form a dehumidification coating. An experimental system for evaluating the dehumidification and regeneration performance of DCHE is established. The Taguchi method is employed to evaluate the impact of operating parameters such as air velocity, water flow rate, and regeneration temperature on the dehumidification and regeneration efficiency of DCHE. The result shows that air velocity is the primary factor impacting the dehumidification performance of DCHE, with regeneration temperature and cooling water flow rate following in importance. With the faster air velocity and the lower cooling water flow rate, DCHE shows the better dehumidification performance. Moreover, excessively both high and low regeneration temperatures can result in a degradation in the dehumidification performance of DCHE. Under optimal operating conditions, the dehumidification rate (EDE) and thermal coefficient of performance (COPth) of DCHE can reach 7.5 kg/h and 2.3, respectively. The moisture content of the air reduces from 19.6 g/kg to 8.0 g/kg.

An experiment and simulation on a solar-regenerated dehumidifier fabricated from composite desiccant coated fin-tube heat exchanger

Thermal environment in buildings in hot climate is conditioned for comfort by air-conditioning that is energy intensive. Presently, most air-conditioning systems in Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia use electricity-driven vapor compression systems to cool down the air to the set-point temperature. Latent load due to condensation of air humidity forms a large part of the air-conditioning load. This paper presents the results of experiment and simulation on a dehumidifier constructed from a water-to-air heat exchanger coated with a composite desiccant of SB15 mesoporous silica gel and LiCl, regenerated by low-temperature solar heated water. The results include values of dehumidification performance indices, a conclusion that the optimum cycle duration for dehumidification is close to 200–240 s, and that the effectiveness of moisture removal increase with the regeneration temperature of up to 70 °C. The dehumidifier can from a part of an air ventilator that will substantially reduce cooling load of air-conditioning. The results also highlight the significance of simulation-based analysis, specifically regarding the use of robust mathematical models.

Development of rotary dehumidifier with silica-gel-based composite desiccant

The desiccant dehumidification system's key component, the desiccant wheel, can perform effectively using composite desiccant materials. Evaluation of the desiccant wheel's performance using composite desiccant material is the primary goal of this study. Authors have compared the performance of two desiccant wheels; one is packed with traditional Silica-gel, and the other is a composite of Silica-gel and calcium chloride in a ratio of 3:2 by weight. A rotary wheel is developed with rectangular channels parallel to the wheel's axis. The novelty of this research lies in the improved design of the desiccant wheel. Unlike other techniques involving pressure losses and ineffective space utilization, this design offers better space utilization and fewer pressure losses. In addition, wheel fabrication is less costly and easily reusable with other desiccants. Three performance indicators were evaluated through experimentation: dehumidification capability, moisture removal capacity, and dehumidification coefficient of performance. Results show that the Parallel channel desiccant wheel achieves 25% higher dehumidification capability and 55% greater moisture removal capacity. The specific humidity of the air is reduced by 35% using the composite desiccant wheel. Comparing the composite desiccant to traditional Silica-gel, its dehumidification coefficient of performance is 40% higher.

Design and Evaluation of a Desiccant-based Solar Still for Atmospheric Water Collection

A novel still design is proposed that employs a composite desiccant to adsorb atmospheric water vapor. The still has a pyramid design with two short windows and two large glass surfaces. The still is designed to be partially buried 15 centimeters into the ground for passive cooling of the condensing glass surfaces to improve condensation efficiency. An experimental setup is developed with a mud platform to study the performance of the still. A pyramid-shaped still of dimension 30cm x 30cm x 45cm (LxWxH) is fitted with thermocouples, humidity sensors, and a pyranometer to record the global irradiance. The data for two days, one with a buried still and the other unburied, of similar irradiance, are recorded from 6 am to 6 pm with a beaker containing water placed at the stage in the still. The results indicate a drop in glass temperature of about 10.42% in the buried setup compared to the unburied structure. This also resulted in the dew point being maintained for only 35% of the time in the unburied still compared to the buried still.

Self‐Contained Moisture Management and Evaporative Cooling Through 1D to 3D Hygroscopic All‐Polymer Composites

AbstractSorption‐based moisture management and evaporative cooling represent emerging technologies with substantial potential for energy‐saving personal thermal management (PTM). However, design of high‐performance and durable hygroscopic composites combining efficient heat dissipation with wearing comfort presents significant challenges. Herein, hygroscopic 1D nanofibers and 2D fabrics are developed using two hygroscopic polymers and crosslinking strategies. The design endows the fabrics with self‐contained properties including excellent hygroscopicity, durability, ductility, breathability, washability, and antimicrobial capability. The fabrics exhibit thickness‐independent moisture sorption and equilibrium water uptake of 1.19 g g−1 in 4 h under 90% relative humidity (RH). About 80% of the absorbed water can be rapidly released through mild heating within 10 min. These high moisture sorption/desorption rates outperform the majority of composite desiccants, enabling up to five sorption/desorption cycles per day under a real sky. The hygroscopic fabrics can reduce apparent temperatures and prevent unsightly sweat stains on clothing, improving thermal and clothing comfort. Furthermore, hygroscopic 3D hierarchical matrices are printed, showcasing the potential to use small amounts of hygroscopic materials to boost moisture sorption. This work advances the controlled fabrication of hygroscopic polymer composites, ranging from 1D nanofibers and 2D fabrics to 3D matrices, highlighting their promising prospects for future sorption‐based PTM applications.

Performance assessment of heat exchanger coated with encapsulated ultra-high salt content desiccant

Desiccant coated heat exchanger (DCHE) provides an effective way to decouple the sensible and latent heat loads and improves the energy efficiency by raising the evaporation temperature of air conditioning system. In this paper, a new encapsulation of porous membrane is adopted to fabricate the ultra-high salt content composite desiccant, AFLi30@P, whose salt content can reach over 85w %. Its adsorption capacity can be as high as 3.8 g g−1 at 27 °C and 70 % humidity. And then, DCHE based on AFLi30@P is developed. Experiments on both desiccant and DCHE levels are conducted to investigate the effects of temperature and humidity conditions on the dehumidification performance. The results reveal that, different from air temperature and dehumidification temperature, air humidity and regeneration temperature has positive effects on the DCHE dehumidification performance. Comparison between vertical and horizontal placements presents that horizontal placement of AFLi30@P on DCHE can avoid the effect of gravity to realize more uniform adsorption and heat transfer capacity. Dehumidification capacity of AFLi30@P DCHE can reach 1.08 g g−1 under the conditions of 27 °C air temperature, 70 % air humidity, 30 °C dehumidification temperature and 60 °C regeneration temperature.

Fabrication and Analysis of an Effective Composite Desiccant for the Rapid Dehydration of Shield Waste Slurry

Massive shield waste slurry generated in shield tunnel construction is difficult to deal with because of its high water content (WC). Only when the WC of waste slurry is reduced to 40%–60% it can be further disposed and reutilized. Three inorganic materials including attapulgite (AT), montmorillonite (MT) and water-washed kaolin (WK) were utilized to dehydrate the shield waste slurry and found that the WC of shield waste slurry dropped to 48.3%, 48.2% and 49.6% with 12.5% AT, 10% MT, and 12.5% WK as the desiccant, respectively. To enhance the dehydration efficiency, a composite desiccant was prepared with AT, MT and WK for the rapid dehydration of waste slurry. The optimized ratio of composite desiccant for AT: MT: WK was decided as 3.23%: 3.50%: 3.40% by response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design, corresponding with the predicted WC as 44.9%. The WC of shield waste slurry can be decreased to 44.1% after the waste slurry has been dehydrated with the optimal composite desiccant after 6 days. The pH value of solidified shield waste slurry cured with the optimal composite desiccant was approximately 10.5, benefiting the further disposal and resource reutilization of shield waste slurry. The shield waste slurry was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that hydration products came into being during the hydration reaction when the shield waste slurry was cured with desiccant. The hydration products refabricated the microscopic lamellar structure of the waste slurry, squeezed the interlayer gap and drove the interlayer water away, leading to the depression of the WC of waste slurry.

Experimental Investigation on Dehumidification Using a Solid Composite Bio Desiccant Internally Cooled Using Nanofluids for Building Cooling

Indoor comfort has become a major factor with advancements in science and technology. This also leads to an increase in greenhouse gases as well as energy consumption. Desiccant-coated heat exchangers are one of the common solutions to these risks and to lower energy usage. In the present work, the capability of a solid composite desiccant blend prepared from coconut shell-based activated carbon and bio char was studied. Aluminum plates have been coated with the prepared solid desiccants. Desiccant-coated heat exchangers were cooled by the cerium oxide nanofluid passing through the pipes connected along the length of the heat exchanger. Air was blown through the plates where dehumidification occurs due to the vapor pressure difference between the air and the desiccant-coated plate. The experiments were conducted by varying the air velocity, water flow rate, and nanoparticle concentration. The nanoparticle volume fraction varied from 0.05% to 0.3%. Different performance parameters such as the moisture removal rate, dehumidification efficiency, cooling capacity, and coefficient of performance (COP) were calculated. Results showed that the performance parameters were enhanced with an increase in the water flow rate as well as the air flow rate. Furthermore, it was seen that with the addition and increase in nanoparticle concentration, the moisture removal rate and dehumidification efficiency were enhanced. In comparison to no addition of nanoparticles, a 0.3% addition of nanoparticles demonstrated a maximum increase in MRR of 53% and dehumidification efficiency of 57%. A maximum reduction of 6.1% in the dehumidification area was achieved by using 0.3% nanoparticles with water. It is recommended to use nanofluids for dehumidification using solid desiccants, which can enhance the performance without having negative influence on the environment.

Performance evaluation of PVA/PEO/LiCl composite as coated heat exchangers desiccants

Composite desiccants have led to a growing interest because of their eco-friendliness, sustainability, and excellent dehumidification properties. In this paper, we present a method for constructing a dehumidification composite of PVA/PEO/LiCl that is eco-friendly and recyclable. The results show that PVA/PEO/LiCl has better dehumidification performance than SG, SG/LiCl, PVA/PEO, and PVA/PEO/CaCl2 as coated heat exchangers desiccants. The addition of LiCl caused the internal hydrophilic polymeric hygroscopic carriers to work in concert with the membrane porosity. This resulted in a considerable increase in the membrane's hygroscopic rate and capacity, as well as improved mechanical qualities. As the concentration of LiCl was increased, the surface sealing of the PVA/PEO polymer improved dramatically, and the shape of the polymer-formed film changed from loose to firmly packed. The structural shift toward densification boosted the strength of the co-blended dehumidified films. With a PVA/PEO/LiCl ratio of 1:1:2.5 and the coating thickness of 10–15 µm, the greatest dehumidification effectiveness is achieved. During five subsequent sorption and desorption procedures, the sorption of PVA/PEO/LiCl remained between 70 and 75%, demonstrating its outstanding reusability and cycling stability.

Experimental Investigation on the Performance of a Dehumidifier Constructed from a Water-to-Air Heat Exchanger Coated with Composite Desiccant of Mesoporous Silica Gel and LiCl

Thermal environment in buildings in hot climate is conditioned for comfort by air-conditioning that is energy intensive. Presently, most air-conditioning systems in Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia use electricity-driven vapor compression systems to cool down the air to the set-point temperature. However, latent load due to condensation of air humidity forms a large part of the air-conditioning load. This paper presents the results of experiments on a dehumidifier constructed from a water-to-air heat exchanger coated with a composite desiccant of large-pore mesoporous silica gel and LiCl, regenerated by low-temperature hot water. Moisture removal capacity (MRC), dehumidification capacity (DC), thermal coefficient of performance (COPth), and an equivalent air conditioning load of dehumidification (EALD) are comparative quantitative parameters derived from experimental results and are studied in this research. The composite desiccant requires low-temperature water for regeneration and offers a higher rate of vapor adsorption and desorption that leads to a shorter required desiccant dehumidification cycle time. The results demonstrate that the dehumidifier is able to effectively reduce moisture in ventilation air and substantially reduces the cooling load of air-conditioning.

Experimental study on sorption–desorption characteristics of natural composite desiccant with metal embedment

The present study investigates the effect on total moisture sorption, moisture sorption rate, moisture desorption rate, and reduction in the temperature of dehumidified air of metal-embedded natural composite desiccants (MENCDs), which can be used in dehumidification systems. A natural composite desiccant, in which the unutilized portion of the spherical desiccant material is replaced with a metallic ball, is proposed. Stainless steel balls with a diameter of 4.75 and 6.35 mm are used to make different thickness ratios (TR = 1, 0.525, and 0.365) of MENCDs. The natural composite desiccant is prepared from dried cow dung and polyvinyl pyrrolidone with a ratio of 3:1. Experiments are conducted to find the optimum thickness ratio of MENCDs. The total moisture sorption, moisture sorption rate, total heat load reduction, and exergy efficiency of these dehumidification systems are investigated under different relative humidities (RH = 65% to 85%), and at a constant temperature and velocity. Desorption characteristics are tested under 328 K and 5% RH. The total moisture sorption of MENCDs with a TR of 0.365 is found to be 11.84 g/100 g, which is 17% higher compared to natural composite desiccants (i.e., TR = 1) at 85% RH, whereas, the total moisture sorption rate is 0.4 g/100 g⋅min, which is 20.57% higher for TR of 0.365 compared to TR = 1. Moisture desorption rate for TR = 0.365 is 16.66% higher compared to TR = 1. The average exergy efficiency of these systems is 60%. The average exergy efficiency of these composite desiccants with a TR = 0.365 is 9.6% higher compared to TR = 1. The average total heat load reduction for composite desiccants with a TR = 0.365 is 24% higher compared to TR = 1. The experimental study shows that the MENCDs will help to increase total heat load reduction, sorption and desorption rate, and total moisture sorption of dehumidified air with optimum thickness ratio for enhanced utilization of a composite desiccant for dehumidification systems.

Sorption–desorption characteristics of dried cow dung with PVP and clay as composite desiccants: Experimental and exergetic analysis

The present study investigates the sorption and desorption characteristics of a natural composite desiccant based on dried cow dung (DCD). Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) and clay are used as binders with DCD. The moisture uptake capacity of composite desiccants is measured with an isotherm experiment under different DCD to binder ratios. Based on their isotherms, composite desiccants are chosen for characteristic study under different humid conditions and validated with available literature data. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) analyses are carried out to understand the physical properties of DCD, DCD+PVP (3:1) and DCD+Clay (3:1). Total heat load reduction, exergy efficiency and power required for these dehumidification systems are calculated for different inlet conditions. Desorption characteristics are tested at 328 K and 6% RH. Results show the maximum moisture uptake capacity of DCD and DCD+PVP as 14.42 and 14.72 g/100 g, respectively. The maximum exergy efficiency of the DCD+PVP dehumidification system is found to be 55%. Desorption time for DCD+PVP desiccant is 17 min, which is 4 and 2 min higher compared to DCD, and DCD+Clay, respectively. With this experimental study, it is concluded that the DCD+PVP has the potential to become an alternative to chemical desiccants based on their exergy efficiency and moisture uptake capacity.

Study on activated carbon/silica gel/lithium chloride composite desiccant for solid dehumidification

An activated carbon/silica gel/lithium chloride composite desiccant (AC-SL) for air dehumidification is proposed. Lithium chloride and silica gel are impregnated into activated carbon pores to improve the density, thermal conductivity and water vapor adsorption capacity of AC-SL. Nitrogen isothermal adsorption lines, SEM images and Fourier Transform Infrared showed that impregnation significantly reduced AC-SL is specific surface area and pore parameters and increased the content and types of oxygen-containing functional groups on its surface. The sorption kinetics study shows that the equilibrium adsorption capacity of AC-SL is 6.8 times that of activated carbon. The Dubinine-Astakhov equation based on Polanyi potential theory is used for nonlinear fitting of the water vapor isotherms adsorption, and the correlation coefficients of the fitting equations are all above 0.98. When the relative humidity is 60%, the water vapor adsorption capacity of AC-SL reached 0.81 kg kg−1, 4.5 times that of pure activated carbon. The simulation results show that the AC-SL coated heat exchanger's dehumidification capacity is 3.13 kg h−1, which has a higher cost performance than other materials.

Development and Characterization of Composite Desiccant Impregnated with LiCl for Thermoelectric Dehumidifier (TED)

Aqueous salt solutions (LiCl) were impregnated into a porous host matrix to create composite desiccant materials (silica gel). The authors of this paper fabricated and analyzed composite desiccant-coated aluminum sheets (DCAS) with varying LiCl mass concentrations. Nitrogen sorption results revealed that the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore volume of the composite desiccant-coated aluminum sheets decreased. Furthermore, composite DCAS had lower nitrogen sorption than silica-gel-coated aluminum sheets (SGCAS). According to the results, the composite DCAS had the highest thermal conductivity, measuring 6.1 Wm−1 K−1, doubling that of the SGCAS. For evaluating sorption kinetics, the linear driving force model (LDF) was used, and composite DCAS showed greater dynamic sorption quantities and sorption rate coefficients than SGCAS. Furthermore, three different moisture sorption isotherm models were used to fit the experimental results: the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) model, the Guggenheim–Anderson–Boer (GAB) model, and the double log polynomial (DLP) model. The DLP model was shown to be the best model for predicting the moisture sorption isotherms of DCAS. Additionally, the composite desiccant-coated heat sink (DCHS) of the thermoelectric dehumidifier (TED) was evaluated and compared to silica gel in terms of dehumidification capacity. According to the findings, the outlet air humidity ratio of the composite DCHS reached a minimum of 10.23 g kg−1, and the dehumidification capacity was 0.117 kg h−1 when the input electrical voltage was kept at 9 V.

Investigation on activated carbon-sodium polyacrylate coated aluminum sheets for desiccant coated heat exchanger

Adsorption and desorption properties of desiccants are of key significances to the dehumidification performance of a compact dehumidification component named desiccant coated heat exchanger. This work developed novel activated carbon (AC) - sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) composite coated aluminum sheets with high adsorption property and good desorption ability. Adsorption and desorption properties of AC-PAAS coated aluminum sheets were investigated under different air conditions. Cyclic adsorption-desorption features with internal-cooling/heating were conducted. Results showed that composite coated aluminum sheets had nearly 2∼3 times higher water uptake than an AC coated sample in the range of medium- to high-relative humidity (60%∼90% RH). More than 95% of adsorbed water in composite samples was released at 70 °C & 20% RH, and 86% was still desorbed when the air temperature was decreased to 40 °C. Adsorption capacities and rate coefficients of composite samples with internal-cooling could be 2.3 and 1.5 times higher than those without. This paper provides a way to develop composite desiccants with high cyclic water uptake performance in the fields of adsorption cooling, solid desiccant air-conditioning and atmospheric water harvesting.

Isotherm moisture sorption of composite desiccant made from rice husk biomass

The behavior of isotherm moisture sorption form rice husk-CaCl2 composite desiccants was studied. The desiccant composite in various treatments was tested for its isotherm sorption using gravimetric method. Saturated solution of LiCl, CH3COOK, MgCl, K2CO3, NaBr, NaNO2, NaCl, KCl, and K2SO4 were used to obtain the moisture of 11 %, 22 %, 32 %, 44 %, 56 %, 64 %, 75 %, 84 % and 97 %. Water activity produced from these saturated salt solutions was measured using aw meter. The equilibrium moisture data was then fitted into several isothermal equation models that have been used and tested in several literature including the model of Courie, Oswin and Chen Clayton. This rice husk composite desiccant had exposed a J shape curve of equilibrium water content with a boundary zone A of aw 0.2 and zone B of aw 0.67. Based on the isothermic absorption curve, the Oswin equation model was able to predict the results of research with R2 of 0.96, 0.89 and 0.97, respectively for temperature of 30, 40 and 50°C. This rice husk desiccant was able to absorb water vapor at low RH. It means that this desiccant is promising to be used for low water content or hygroscopic product such as flour based product, food flavor powder, chili powder, palm sugar and other products.

Transient behavior of non-toxic natural and hybrid multi-layer desiccant composite materials for water extraction from atmospheric air.

Producing clean water via renewable solar energy and available low-cost natural resources is one of paramount issues for the near future sustainable cleaner production theme to promote civilization. This work investigates the transient behavior of a solar-driven clean water extraction system from air by various desiccant natural and hybrid composite materials. Different single composite desiccant materials, hybrid single composite desiccant material, and hybrid multi-layers composite desiccant materials were examined using an efficient design of a solar glass box with four glass faces and square base setup. Nine different single composite desiccant materials were compared for water production from atmospheric air considering jute, wool, cotton, and maize starch host materials. The effect of CaCl2 solution concentration on the hybridization of such materials was also investigated to examine and optimize their water productivity efficiency. Thirteen hybrid multi-layer starch-based composite desiccant material types were utilized. Different layer combinations and weight percentages of hybrid composite desiccant materials were optimized based on the performance in the single hybrid composites stages including wool/CaCl2/starch, jute/CaCl2/starch, and cotton/CaCl2/starch. Results have indicated that the transient behavior of water productivity of composite desiccants increased as the wool percentage by mass in the composite has been increased. The transient behavior of water productivity of both single and hybrid multi-layer composites reached its maximum at 1:00 o'clock PM. The quality of extracted water was analyzed using total dissolved solids (TDS) test and found to be within the excellent category of clean water suitable for human being. Water generated from the samples that contain only natural fibers and starch was the cleaner and non-toxic.