CNTs Remove Bacteria and Viruses from Water
10 May 2008, 11:03
Categories: filtration nanotubes-wires-fullerenes
A few cents worth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) could be sufficient to stop viral and bacterial pathogens in their tracks and provide a point-of-use treatment for contaminated water. A Yale University research team has developed a prototype filter that consists of a polymer microporous membrane covered with a thin layer (2–6 µm) of SWNTs. The design allows high-water fluxes and low operating pressures, which will help to keep operating costs down. Results show that the SWNT filter exhibits very high removal of viruses (over 5 log, or 99.999%). Furthermore, the SWNT filter not only completely retains E. coli, but also renders the bacteria inactive.
Posted by: The Editors
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