New material helps filter water with light
Chinese scientists have developed a new material that can use light to purify water safely and effectively. The research was published in the journal Chem.
Using light to purify water has long been an environmentally safe method, but the catalysts needed for the process are often made of metal, which can cause secondary pollution.
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| Using light to purify water is an environmentally safe method. (Illustration: cummingutilities.com). |
Scientists from the Institute of Technology Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yangzhou University recently invented a new, efficient, metal-free catalyst.
They used sheets of graphitic carbon nitride, an ultra-thin two-dimensional material with the right electronic properties to absorb light and release oxygen-based chemicals. This structure facilitates a reaction that produces a lot of hydrogen peroxide, which kills bacteria very effectively.
The results showed that with this catalyst, water containing many pathogens can be cleaned quickly in 30 minutes and effectively disinfected up to 99% after being illuminated. This material also does not leave heavy metal residue or cause secondary environmental pollution.
The team plans to continue developing the material before making it available for commercial use. The researchers are considering studying its quantum-capture capabilities, developing its antimicrobial structure, and improving the process of preparing the ultrathin sheets.
