Background

Waters contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and toxic heavy metal ions are responsible for up to 1.8 million deaths each year. Although methods such as ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis have been discovered to remove viruses, these methods require extremely expensive materials and can not be used on a large scale (such as for a community). The removal of toxic metals are also achievable; however, these operations have high operating costs, involve high consumption of chemicals and electrical power, and require complex treatment procedures. There is a necessity to eliminate such contaminants from drinking water in an effective, low cost way.

Technology

Micro-filtration membranes that have a high permeation flux allow a similar fluid flow rate, while removing toxins, bacteria and metals. The membranes are constructed of electrospun nanofibers. The fibers are able to be layered in various dimensions, as well as combined with other materials, such as ultra-fine fibers. The diversity in the structures allows for filters to be created in a low cost, effective way.

Advantages

- More efficient, - Higher material diversity, - Easier to manufacture - Lower cost

Application

- Filtration - Plumbing - Fluid flow - Nanofibers