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Overview: Access to clean water is vital, but some pollutants prove difficult to eliminate. Researchers have unveiled an innovative filtration method utilizing 2D materials alongside sugar-based chemistry to capture persistent contaminants. This adaptable technology can be tailored to target specific molecules, presenting a scalable solution for enhancing water safety globally.
Scientists at Monash University have launched a novel water filtration method that may transform efforts against PFAS – a group of chemicals recognized for their long-lasting presence in the environment and associated health dangers. Commonly found in items like water-resistant clothing and firefighting foams, PFAS are notoriously resistant to breakdown. Established treatment techniques frequently fall short, particularly regarding the smallest PFAS molecules that evade filters and accumulate in natural ecosystems and human organisms.
The research team at Monash has developed a graphene oxide membrane sourced from graphite, enhanced with beta-cyclodextrin, a cyclic sugar molecule. This combination is deliberate, as beta-cyclodextrin functions as a molecular cage, trapping chemical compounds within its ring-like structure. By incorporating beta-cyclodextrin into the graphene oxide membrane, the researchers established a highly selective arrangement of nanoscale channels that act as energy barriers, preventing PFAS molecules – including the challenging short-chain varieties – while facilitating efficient water flow.
Lead researcher Eubert Mahofa noted that the design of this membrane addresses a significant hurdle in water purification by achieving a balance between removing tiny, persistent contaminants and ensuring a swift flow of clean water.
“Our solution effectively filters out and concentrates these harmful substances while still permitting efficient water flow,” Mahofa explained.
The membrane maintains its effectiveness even with fluctuations in water temperature, a critical factor for practical applications where conditions can shift. The technique employed for manufacturing, referred to as shear alignment printing, is both efficient and scalable, allowing for the production of extensive membrane sheets tailored for municipal water treatment facilities, industrial plants, and remediation efforts.
Co-researcher Dr. Sally El Meragawi highlighted that the membrane successfully eliminates harmful substances while retaining vital minerals and nutrients. This quality makes it appropriate for both drinking water and wastewater treatment, ensuring that the resulting water remains safe and beneficial for consumption.
What distinguishes this technology is its versatility. Researchers have the capability to alter the chemical structure of beta-cyclodextrin to focus on a diverse array of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and heavy metals. Professor Mainak Majumder, who heads the Australian Research Council’s Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials, suggested that this methodology could lead to a new era of customizable water filters, each engineered to target specific contaminants.
Monash University, Clean TeQ Water, and NematiQ – a company dedicated to graphene-based technologies – collaborated over several years to create this innovative process.
Image source: Clean TeQ Water
