Graphene improves the water purification process as a membrane. The material is hydrophilic, meaning that it attracts water. Creating potable water has a number of benefits, ranging from medical, pharmacological, chemical, and industrial applications.

1. GRAPHENE AS A
WATER FILTER
Don Basile

2. One of the standout qualities of the well-
known “wonder material” graphene is its
potentially massive environmental impact.
Of the different effects it is purported to
have on the environment, an important
one is its capacity for effective water
filtration and desalination. Creating potable
water has a number of benefits, ranging
from medical, pharmacological, chemical,
and industrial applications.

3. HYDROPHILIC
Graphene improves the water
purification process as a membrane. The
material is
meaning that it attracts water. So when
microscopic holes are made in the material, it
creates a membrane that allows water molecules
to flow through, while blocking contaminants,
gases, and solvents.

4. Scientists at the CSIRO, an Australian research center, recently utilized such a
method to create a graphene water filter membrane. Conventional water filter
membranes are made from polymers, which unfortunately means that they are
unable to handle a diverse mix of contaminants. Because of its capabilities, thin-layer
graphene can allow water to pass through microscopic channels in its surface. This
kind of membrane is able to filter the liquid faster than conventional products and
prevents the contaminants that are blocked from clogging the surface.
Despite graphene’s improved abilities at keeping contaminants from clogging
the membrane, a buildup can still occur. This is why researchers at
Washington University in St. Louis have not just created a similarly functioning
graphene water filter membrane, but have also enlisted the help of a “traitor”
bacteria to form the membrane, and uses light to destroy the clumped
contaminants near the surface of the filter. The scientists took the
bacteria Gluconacetobacter hansenii and fed it a sugary substance, causing it
to produce cellulose nanofibers. The researchers then added graphene oxide
flakes, with add durability, stability, and ability to the newly-formed
membrane, making it an effective water filter.

5. But Washington
University scientists
didn’t stop there
after filtration, they “reduced” the
graphene oxide by removing the
oxygen groups in the material. This
causes it to become more reactive to
light and absorbs it, which in turn
heats up the membrane, killing the
bacteria that created it, along with
another of the other contaminants
that have been caught in the
membrane. The now-sterilized
membrane is able to filter water twice
as fast as existing membranes under
high pressure.

6. The appeal of these new graphene water filters is that they are far
more energy-efficient, lightweight, and environmentally friendly than
existing filters, while also being more effective. Another important
benefit of these newer graphene water filters is that water will not
need chlorination to be purified. Typically, chlorine is used to destroy
toxic materials in water, but with the pinpoint efficiency of graphene,
such contaminants can be taken care of in other ways.
Graphene’s application spans a seemingly endless amount of
technology areas, and looks to not only significantly advance our
capabilities, but provide environmental and health benefits for the
whole world. With graphene water filters, it can become possible to
further the mission of providing everyone with clean drinking water in
cost-efficient and functionally effective ways.

7. THANK YOU!
READ MORE AT GRAPHENE-INVESTORS.COM