Monash University Develops Breakthrough Water Filter TechnologyMonash University Develops Breakthrough Water Filter TechnologyNew graphene-based...

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Monash University Develops Breakthrough Water Filter TechnologyMonash University Develops Breakthrough Water Filter TechnologyNew graphene-based...
Monash University Develops Breakthrough Water Filter Technology
Monash University Develops Breakthrough Water Filter Technology
New graphene-based membrane effectively removes stubborn PFAS from water supplies
Researchers at Monash University have developed a groundbreaking water filtration membrane that effectively removes small PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) molecules, addressing a significant challenge faced by traditional water filters. These substances, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," are notorious for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. The innovative membrane, which is a beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) modified graphene oxide (GO-βCD) design, incorporates nanoscale channels that selectively retain PFAS while allowing water to flow through.

The findings of this research were published in the journal ACS Nano in 2025, highlighting the potential of this technology to transform water treatment methods globally. PFAS are widely used in various industrial and consumer products, leading to increasing concerns over their presence in drinking water and waterways across Australia. In fact, a Federal inquiry is currently underway to examine the extent of PFAS usage and its impact nationwide.

In rigorous testing, the Monash membrane demonstrated remarkable efficacy, significantly outperforming traditional polyamide membranes, which typically manage to remove only about 35% of short-chain PFAS. Eubert Mahofa, a Ph.D. candidate at Monash and the study's first author, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough, stating, "PFAS are difficult to manage because they dissolve easily in water and can spread far from their original source, making contamination challenging to contain and remediate. Removing small PFAS molecules from water has been a major hurdle for existing filters." He noted that their approach efficiently filters out these harmful chemicals while allowing water to flow freely, positioning it as a strong candidate for enhancing current PFAS destruction technologies.

Dr. Sally El Meragawi, another co-researcher on the project, underscored the membrane's potential influence on global water treatment strategies. "By combining advanced materials with smart chemistry, we've created a highly efficient way to tackle this global contamination issue. The unique structure of our membrane enables it to effectively remove even the smallest PFAS molecules," she said. This advancement not only addresses PFAS contamination but also retains essential nutrients in water, making it a promising addition to traditional nanofiltration systems.

The membrane was fabricated using a technique known as shear alignment printing, which is scalable and allows for industrial-scale production of graphene oxide films. This innovative method contrasts sharply with conventional polyamide membranes, which struggle to block smaller PFAS molecules. Tests and simulations confirmed that the Monash-designed membrane forms a robust barrier against PFAS, even under varying temperatures, while maintaining efficient water flow.

Professor Mainak Majumder, the Director of the Australian Research Council's Research Hub for Advanced Manufacturing with 2D Materials (AM2D), which supported this research, highlighted the broader implications of this technology. "This breakthrough in PFAS filtration has the potential to revolutionize how PFAS contamination is managed globally, with applications ranging from landfill leachate treatment to industrial wastewater purification," he remarked. Furthermore, he noted that this technology opens new avenues for developing advanced nanofiltration membranes specifically tailored to remove targeted contaminants by selecting appropriate binding chemistries.

This research has been bolstered by a long-standing collaboration between Monash University, Clean TeQ Water, and its graphene-focused subsidiary NematiQ, which has facilitated the development and commercialization of innovative membrane technology. Peter Voigt, CEO of Clean TeQ Water and NematiQ, expressed enthusiasm over the advancements made, stating, "The development of a modified graphene membrane for PFAS removal represents an exciting advancement in water treatment." He emphasized the importance of continuing collaboration with Monash University to bring this innovative technology to market.

As water quality continues to be a pressing issue, particularly with the rising concerns over waterborne diseases, the demand for effective water purifiers has surged. Companies such as Livpure, Kent, Havells, and Pureit have long been pioneers in the water purification industry, providing solutions that ensure safe drinking water. Recently, Urban Company has entered the market with their Native series of water purifiers, focusing not only on RO (Reverse Osmosis) and UV (Ultraviolet) protection but also incorporating features like long-lasting filters and an E-boiling filter.

These advancements in water purification are critical, especially in areas where water quality can be inconsistent or contaminated. For households, selecting the right water purifier can significantly improve water quality and taste, contributing to better health outcomes. The recommended capacities for home water purifiers vary based on family size, with options ranging from 5-6 liters for individuals or small households to 8-10 liters or more for larger families.

RO and UV filters play a vital role in ensuring the safety of drinking water. RO filters are effective in removing dissolved impurities like heavy metals and chemicals, while UV filters eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses. This dual safety mechanism is essential for providing safe drinking water, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

In summary, the innovative membrane developed by Monash University represents a significant leap forward in addressing the challenges posed by PFAS contamination in water supplies. As concerns about water quality continue to rise, advancements in filtration technology will be crucial in ensuring safe drinking water for communities worldwide. The collaboration between academic institutions and industry leaders, such as Clean TeQ Water, will be instrumental in translating these research breakthroughs into practical solutions that can be implemented on a global scale.

SOURCE:https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/monash-university-develops-breakthrough-water-filter-technology-317001

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