Sunlight can be used to activate sustainable 2D materials capable of degrading toxic pollution in water.
Sunlight can be used to activate sustainable 2D materials capable of degrading toxic pollution in water.
Birmingham researchers have demonstrated a new method to break down toxic pollutants in wastewater, using sunlight and molecular-thin catalysts created using an innovative ‘mechanical’ approach.
Non-degradable dyes originating from industries such as textiles, cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and printing, are amongst the most prominent sources of industrial pollution. Left untreated, they disperse in both land and water, leading to contamination that poses serious risks to human health and the environment.
Most industries use a combination of techniques to remove these chemicals from wastewater, but dye-polluted water persists. Textile dyes alone are the second-largest contributor to water pollution worldwide. As well as contaminating drinking water, they can disrupt ecosystems, reduce photosynthesis in freshwater and marine plants, and alter the life cycles of fish and other aquatic animals.
Read More: University of Birmingham
Photo Credit: jplenio via Pixabay
