Recyclable advanced fibre materials for innovative water purification

Water scarcity is a global challenge. Adequate supplies of clean water is among the most critical issues that need to be addressed. Climate change and rapidly growing population of the planet increase the demand for innovative technological solutions.

Photocatalytic degradation is considered one of the greenest water treatment methods since it harnesses solar energy to destroy pollutants using specially designed catalyst materials. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is ideal for this purpose, but nanostructured TiO2 has not yet been feasible for industrial-level water treatment partly because the nanopowders cannot be easily recovered after use.

We recently developed hierarchically porous titanium dioxide (TiO2) fibers using an innovative fabrication method called dual-polymer templating electrospinning. See also: "Hierarchical porosity design enables highly recyclable and efficient Au/ TiO 2  composite fibers for photodegradation of organic pollutants". These fibers, with their strong light absorption resulting in a dark-brown appearance and interconnected macropores for enhanced mass transport, show significant potential for photocatalytic wastewater treatment.

This project focuses on the further development of this concept and the application of novel porous fibre systems for next generation portable water filters. The study of the fibre precursor chemistry and manufacturing steps will be critical for the controlled production of such fibres. State-of-the-art characterisation techniques form an essential part of the project. Interaction with industry partners is envisaged for this project.