Chowdhury K.F., Millner P., Russell S., Sargeeva N.
University of Leeds, UK
Keywords: chemical contaminants, electrospinning, low energy consumption, microbial contaminants, photosensitiser, waste water
Increasing need of modern society and growing industrialization continuously drives the emergence of water scarcity. Water security is not only a problem for third world countries but one of the major problems within developed countries. To counter this need, wastewater treatment is the ultimate choice. As wastewater treatment is one of the largest energy intensive sectors, water specialists are continuously seeking energy efficient techniques for water treatment. This study is aimed at developing a cost effective low energy consuming nano materials for water treatment by producing nanofibre using electrospinning. Electrospinning is a versatile and low cost simple technique to fabricate very high surface area nanofibres. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of micro-organisms and photo degradation of chemical compounds by photosensitizers (PSs) is an already established approach which relies on light driven production of reactive oxygen species. This study describes photodynamic inactivation mechanisms of photosensitisers immobilised into electro-spun nanofibres for waste water treatment. To keep the treated water free of disinfectants, photosensitiser is immobilised with electrospun nanofibre and the nanofibre was developed as water stable.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Materials for Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability: TechConnect Briefs 2018
Published: May 13, 2018
Pages: 161 - 164
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Water Technologies
ISBN: 978-0-9975117-9-6