Researchers at Monash University have designed a simple and effective way of capturing graphene and the toxins and contaminants they attract from water, by using light. This technique could have important ramifications for large-scale water purification.
In this work, a special light-sensitive soap was added to the water containing the graphene and contaminants. The soap changes its molecular structure when light of a particular color is shone onto it. This changes the way it interacts with the graphene and causes it to separate (along with contaminants stuck to them), enabling easier extraction of the graphene and contaminants. Shining a different colored light re-disperses the graphene for re-use.
The researchers stated that light is appealing as it is abundantly available, simple and low cost when compared to most separation methods. Latest research findings like this one could have significant implications for cost-effective, large-scale water treatment