29-Sep-2021 | Market Research Store
A team led by Professor Ju Li has developed a highly efficient uranium removal technology from drinking water. The researchers captured uranium from a solution by applying an electric charge to graphene oxide foam. The absorption capabilities of the foam can be regained up to seven times. Previous studies had unveiled that electrically charged carbon fiber in graphene oxide foam could filter out uranium from water. However, the outcomes were erratic and partial.
Based on her research conducted on the nature of graphene foam used in lithium-sulfur batteries, Chao Wang, who is one of the co-authors of the study, was able to precisely identify the type of foam to be utilized. The physical performance of the selected foam type was exceptional owing to its competence to adhere certain chemicals on its surface. She assumed that the ligands in graphene foam would be compatible with uranium.
The filtration process of uranium is efficient, quick, and simple. The team was able to extract uranium four times the weight of graphene foam. Such a phenomenal rate of extraction is a significant improvement compared tothe current methods. The graphene foam works efficiently in seawaterand lowers uranium levels.
She said that the filters could be tweaked to be selective for other heavy elements such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Radium is also a big threat in areas of the United States and abroad that lack reliable drinking water infrastructure.The team considers that itscost-efficient gadget could be launched as a novel type of residential water filter that will fit on the nozzles of branded taps. Li specified that the incorporation of an activated carbon chamber in these filters would add up low-voltage electricity to the uranium-filtering graphene foam.
Instead of using a passive water filter, smart filters could be employed that will be driven by green electricity and activate electrolytic action to extract numerous hazardous metals. A notification will appear when the filter needs to be replaced, and the filter will provide quality assurance about the purified potable water.
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