Nanostructures for Better Water Purification
A research associate at the University of Navarra (UPNA) recently announced the development of nanostructures that significantly simplify the process of water disinfection. The new nanostructures are coated with titanium oxide, to which nitrogen has been added. This allows for the initiation of a chemical reaction that breaks down pollutants in water using sunlight, rather than just ultraviolet radiation.
In her doctoral dissertation, Silvia Larumb-Abuin describes these nanostructures. Moreover, these particles contain a magnetic core, which allows them to be extracted from the water (using an applied magnetic field) and reused after the purification process is complete.
The research is based on a phenomenon known as photocatalysis: when sunlight interacts with a substance that acts as a catalyst, the rate of the chemical reaction increases. In this case, light activates titanium oxide, resulting in the formation of various oxidative radicals that destroy organic pollutants in water, such as dyes, solvents, detergents, etc. The dissertation author explains that these particles are quite stable and can be used as an alternative to various treatment technologies traditionally employed at water treatment facilities to eliminate certain organic pollutants.
One of the advantages of these nanostructures is their good sensitivity to sunlight. This will allow them to be used practically anywhere, without creating specific conditions for the chemical reaction. Due to their nanoscale size, the structures have a large surface area for interaction with water, which significantly enhances their photocatalytic properties.
In her doctoral dissertation, Silvia Larumb-Abuin describes these nanostructures. Moreover, these particles contain a magnetic core, which allows them to be extracted from the water (using an applied magnetic field) and reused after the purification process is complete.
The research is based on a phenomenon known as photocatalysis: when sunlight interacts with a substance that acts as a catalyst, the rate of the chemical reaction increases. In this case, light activates titanium oxide, resulting in the formation of various oxidative radicals that destroy organic pollutants in water, such as dyes, solvents, detergents, etc. The dissertation author explains that these particles are quite stable and can be used as an alternative to various treatment technologies traditionally employed at water treatment facilities to eliminate certain organic pollutants.
One of the advantages of these nanostructures is their good sensitivity to sunlight. This will allow them to be used practically anywhere, without creating specific conditions for the chemical reaction. Due to their nanoscale size, the structures have a large surface area for interaction with water, which significantly enhances their photocatalytic properties.
