Chemical and biological contaminants present in the air and water sources are a constant concern for human well-being. It is therefore desirable to eliminate these contaminants and at present conventional methods to remove pollutants suffer a number of drawbacks, regardless of their efficiency or convenience.
Due to their huge surface area, nanoparticles are more effective filtration media than larger particles of the same material and nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene and nanoparticles are contributing to the development of more efficient and cost-effective water and air filtration processes. Membranes containing functionalized or pristine graphene offer remarkable potential for selective uptake and transport of molecular or ionic species.
Ever-expanding cities worldwide are facing major problems with air quality and smog from pollutants such as particulate matter, NOx, soot, ozone, CO and Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To meet stringent legislative requirements for air quality, new technologies incorporating nanomaterials are being developed to degrade air pollutants. Nanoscale TiO2 photocatalyst coatings and air filter products can control Sick Building Syndrome by removing Volatile Organic Compounds emitted from building materials and furniture and creates a purer space for comfortable living and working condition. Photocatalytic oxidation also reduces hydrocarbon waste produced from industrial factories burning fossil fuel or coal. It is considered as the “Holy Grail” of environmental protection according to many research scientists.
Nanofiber Separations, LLC
www.nanofiberseparations.com
THE COMPANY
Nanofiber Separations, LLC produces cutting-edge separation media composed of functionalized nanofibers. The product is manufactured from a randomly overlaid mat of electrospun nanofibers, which provide a unique separation medium capable of both size-based as well as adsorptive separation mechanisms.
TECHNOLOGY
The company is developing efficient and scalable production of nanofiber filters for lower cost pharmaceutical purifications. The company is seeking to develop an innovative type of bioseparation media utilizing electrospun nanofibers for highly efficient purification of the high-value biopharmaceutical products.
Porifera
http://porifera.com
Porifera is involved in aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) membrane development.
THE TECHNOLOGY
The company has developed a forward osmosis desalination technology that utilizes a carbon nanotube membrane. The high flow rates at which water and gases flow through carbon nanotubes facilitate desalination at high flux rates.
Nano Sun
www.ntu.edu.sg
THE COMPANY
Nano Sun is a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) start-up.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Titanium dioxide nanoparticle membrane that lasts twice as long when compared to conventional membranes, is highly resistant to breakage, and has anti-bacterial and anti-biofouling properties. The membrane also allows for an unprecedented flow rate at least ten times faster than current water filtration membranes.
Seldon Technologies
http://seldontech.com
THE COMPANY
Seldon Technologies LLC develops drinking water filtration solutions for point-of-use systems in multiple applications.
THE TECHNOLOGY
The company utilizes carbon nanotubes and iron nanoparticles to destroy or remove waterborne pathogens.
