Key Points
- Researchers have created a new nanofiber membrane to remove micropollutants from water.
- The material is made from cyclodextrin, a derivative of cornstarch.
- In lab tests, it removed about 90% of the harmful chemical triclosan from water.
- The membrane is reusable—it can be regenerated simply by washing it.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new, reusable nanofiber membrane that can effectively remove harmful micropollutants, including the antimicrobial triclosan, from water. The breakthrough published in Separation and Purification Technology could lead to a more efficient, environmentally friendly way to treat our wastewater.
The secret to the new material is a sugar-based molecule called cyclodextrin, which is a derivative of cornstarch. The researchers used a process called “electrospinning” to create ultra-thin fibers of this material, each less than 1/75th the width of a human hair. These tiny fibers create a massive surface area, making the membrane incredibly effective at capturing and retaining pollutants.
In lab tests, the new membrane removed about 90% of triclosan from water. Triclosan is a chemical widely used in personal hygiene products but poses a major threat to aquatic life when it enters the environment. The membrane also proved effective at removing other common pollutants, like an antibiotic and a chemical found in sunscreen.
“This was an actual test of our membrane, in realistic environments where it could be used, and it still had efficiency,” said Mahmoud Aboelkheir, the lead author of the study.
One of the biggest advantages of the new material is its reusability. Unlike other filtration systems that require significant energy to regenerate, this new membrane can be simply washed and reused. And because it’s made from a cornstarch derivative, it’s also biodegradable and much more sustainable than traditional filters.
The team is now working on adapting the technology to capture and remove other persistent pollutants, including the notorious “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.
