What Are Some Key Nanomaterials Used in Water Purification?
Nanoparticles Nanoparticles such as silver, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide exhibit strong antimicrobial properties and can effectively eliminate pathogens from water. Silver nanoparticles, in particular, are renowned for their ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes.
Nanofibers Nanofibers are used to create highly efficient filtration membranes. Electrospun nanofibers made from polymers like polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) offer excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance, making them suitable for removing microscopic contaminants.
Carbon Nanotubes Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylinder-shaped carbon molecules with exceptional adsorption capabilities. CNTs can remove heavy metals, organic pollutants, and even radioactive substances from water due to their high surface area and unique electronic properties.
Graphene Oxide Graphene oxide (GO) is a derivative of graphene that has shown promise in water purification. GO membranes are effective in filtering out salts, heavy metals, and organic molecules, thanks to their tunable pore sizes and high permeability.
