The research team achieved this by enhancing a silica aerogel with graphene. The resulting "Graphene-doped modified silica aerogels (GO-SA)" demonstrated exceptional water purification capabilities, effectively attracting and eliminating contaminants. The outstanding performance can be attributed to graphene's distinct molecular structure, which significantly increases the surface area of the aerogel. In their experiments, conducted under conditions resembling real-life scenarios, the material successfully removed over 85% of pollutants in controlled settings and more than 76% in continuous flow conditions.
The research was spearheaded by Professor Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, a recipient of a prestigious prize, and Professor Rajnish Kumar, both from IIT Madras. The team also comprised Mr. Subhash Kumar Sharma and P. Ranjani, who are research scholars in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras, and Professor Hadas Mamane from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Tel Aviv University, Israel. Their groundbreaking findings have been recently published in a paper featured in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.
Professor Rajnish Kumar emphasized the significance of conducting such research, stating, "The development of indigenous methods for wastewater purification has become imperative, not only to combat pollution but also to safeguard water quality, preserve ecosystems, and mitigate health risks linked to contaminated water."
Regarding the distinctive aspects of their research, he explained, "Conventional methods for treating wastewater often encounter challenges in effectively eliminating trace pollutants, particularly pharmaceuticals. In response, scientists have explored various techniques, including adsorption, advanced oxidation processes, and membrane filtration. Adsorption stands out as an attractive option due to its eco-friendly nature, cost-effectiveness, and its ability to efficiently remove pollutants."
Professor Hadas Mamane, from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Tel Aviv University, Israel, delved into the technical aspects of the research, stating, "The GO-SA aerogels developed collaboratively can be tailored to target specific contaminants by modifying their surface chemistry, making them versatile in their applications. Furthermore, they can be regenerated and reused multiple times, reducing waste and operational costs, thus presenting a sustainable solution for water purification."
