GUWAHATI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has developed a novel aerogel capable of separating oil from water and purifying industrial and agricultural wastewater. This discovery by researchers from the university could transform the way water pollution is tackled.
ALSO READ: Rain Keeps Heat Away In Guwahati As Temperatures Across India Cross 44 Degrees Amidst Heatwave
The supergel is made by combining MXene—a material known for its high conductivity and surface area—with carbon foam. To enhance its ability, the researchers added phosphorus, which activated the material to break down harmful substances such as dyes, antibiotics, and oils commonly found in contaminated water sources.
With water contamination rising and access to clean water shrinking, this innovation addresses an urgent environmental challenge, as the aerogel also works in tandem with chemical agents like Peroxymonosulfate (PMS), boosting their cleaning efficiency.
Aside from purifying water, the aerogel effectively absorbs oil due to its porous structure. It repels water while soaking up oil, making it ideal for cleaning up oil spills and treating effluent from industries.
The material also exhibits a unique trait—it changes its electrical resistance when bent or compressed, allowing potential applications in wearable electronics and structural monitoring.
The research was led by Professor PK Giri from the Department of Physics and Centre for Nanotechnology, while the results of the research have been published in the journal Carbon.