Utilizing the broad electromagnetic spectrum and unique nanoscale properties for chemical-free water treatment. (September 2021) - Westerhoff, Paul
Highlights: Traditional chemical-based technologies are best suited for centralized treatment. Aging infrastructure and tailoring water quality for its final use requires decentralized treatment. Nanomaterials and energy interactions enable disinfection and pollutant transformation. Electrified treatment processes offer a pathway towards chemical-free water treatment. Abstract : Clean water is critical for drinking, industrial processes, and aquatic organisms. Existing water treatment and infrastructure are chemically intensive and based on nearly century-old technologies that fail to meet modern large and decentralized communities. The next-generation of water processes can transition from outdated technologies by utilizing nanomaterials to harness energy from across the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling electrified and solar-based technologies. The last decade was marked by tremendous improvements in nanomaterial design, synthesis, characterization, and assessment of material properties. Realizing the benefits of these advances requires placing greater attention on embedding nanomaterials onto and into surfaces within reactors and applying external energy sources. This will allow nanomaterial-based processes to replace Victorian-aged, chemical intensive water treatment technologies.