The discovery of graphene, a material stronger than steel, has been called a “wonder material”. Scientists have long investigated its potential as a revolutionary resource for a variety of uses, including creating clean drinking water.
Now, a team of researchers from the University of Manchester in England have created a graphene-oxide membrane that can filter contaminants from water. This means that clean drinking water can be made with little to no energy or chemicals.
The new membrane is made up of layers of graphene oxide, which forms a lattice pattern, and a polysulfone, a material that helps create a stable liquid-fluid barrier. This structure is extremely permeable and can allow molecules of clean water to pass through it while keeping contaminants out.
The researchers tested the graphene-oxide membranes on samples of seawater and brackish water and found that they could remove a range of contaminants and pollutants, including dyes, viruses, and organic materials. Even better, the membranes did not lose their filtering properties after 350 filtering cycles.
One of the major applications of graphene-oxide membranes is for desalination, the process of removing salt from seawater. This could be a major step forward in making clean drinking water available in coastal regions and in areas that suffer from water scarcity.
The graphene-oxide membranes are also extremely cost-effective compared to other methods of producing potable water. This could allow for more people in developing countries to gain access to clean drinking water.
Besides desalination, graphene-oxide membranes could be used for a variety of water filtration systems, such as separating substances in wastewater, removing toxins from industrial water, and providing potable water in emergency situations.
It seems that the world’s strongest material may be on its way to providing clean and potable drinking water for more people around the world. The graphene-oxide membranes are not only efficient and cost-effective but can also provide access to clean drinking water in areas that desperately need it.