Tree and Semiconductor-Inspired Dehumidifying Paint Crafted by Adept Materials

The seemingly minor nuisance of steam fogging up bathroom mirrors represents a significant challenge for architects and construction professionals.

“Managing moisture is a critical issue,” says Derek Stein, the founder and CEO of Adept Materials. “A simple search for any well-known home builder followed by ‘lawsuit’ will reveal plenty of instances.”

Previously, buildings naturally ventilated through unnoticed gaps, aiding in moisture escape. However, the push towards energy efficiency has led to buildings being more tightly sealed. While this helps maintain stable indoor climates, it can also result in trapped humidity.

“We’re essentially making buildings resemble insulated beer coolers, which is advantageous for conserving energy but not necessarily conducive to comfortable living. And it can give rise to myriad issues including moisture-induced damage,” Stein remarks.

Employing a dehumidifier is one solution, albeit costly and noisy. Stein, whose background includes a stint as a physics professor at Brown University, proposes an alternative solution inspired by the natural regulation of humidity in trees and the functionality of semiconductor diodes.

Plants manage their cooling by expelling water through leaf pores, a process that adjusts with temperature changes. Stein envisioned a system for buildings that could autonomously adjust internal humidity levels by emulating this natural process.

Although various materials can absorb and release moisture, directing it effectively to prevent issues such as mold and decay is crucial.

Stein leveraged his deep understanding of diodes, which allow electrons to flow in one direction but not the other, to concept a dual-material system. This system combines a moisture-absorbing material with a barrier that blocks air while letting vapor through. Positioned externally, this setup efficiently moves moisture out, allowing it to evaporate when the outer wall heats up.

According to Global Market Insights, the market for these weather-resistive barriers is substantial, with purchases totaling about $14 billion in 2022. Yet, the construction industry often approaches new technology with caution due to the high cost of remedying any potential issues. “The chasm that exists between product development and market adoption can be both deep and broad,” Stein explains.

Adept is bridging this gap by making its building wraps familiar in appearance and texture to existing products. Stein believes that overcoming resistance to change is crucial for adoption.

In the interim, Adept plans to release a paint and primer specifically designed for bathroom environments. The primer acts as the barrier, while the paint absorbs humidity, releasing it only when needed. Adept tested this approach by simulating a bathroom environment, noting a 14% reduction in humidity compared to standard paints. The company anticipates launching these products early next year.

Adept recently secured a $4 million seed investment to further develop and market its innovative paint while continuing to refine its barrier technology. The investment round saw participation from leading U.S. homebuilders, underscoring the potential impact of Adept’s solutions.

“For startups, getting your product into trial phases is challenging. Having the endorsement of the nation’s largest homebuilder shifts the dynamics considerably,” Stein noted.