A novel inorganic Ni-La2O3 composite with superfast and versatile water purification behavior

Journal Article (2018)
Author(s)

Yan Xing (Tsinghua University)

Jing Cheng (Tsinghua University)

Mengfei Zhang (Tsinghua University)

M. Zhao (TU Delft - (OLD) MSE-1)

Liyan Ye (PLA General Hospital)

Wei Pan (Tsinghua University)

Research Group
(OLD) MSE-1
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b17114
More Info
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Publication Year
2018
Language
English
Research Group
(OLD) MSE-1
Issue number
50
Volume number
10
Pages (from-to)
43723-43729

Abstract

Water-purifying materials are of vital importance for providing sanitary water, especially in epidemic and disaster areas and for wilderness survival. Here, we report a novel inorganic composite with a fast, reusable, and pleiotropic water purification ability. The composite of heterogeneous Ni-La2O3 nanofibers was developed using an easy, low-cost, and large-scale production process, i.e., an electrospinning technique. Because of the unique heterostructure formed by introducing nickel nanoparticles into the La2O3 host, the nanocomposite fibers can rapidly remove various detrimental micropollutants with absorption rate constants hundreds of times greater than those of inorganic materials and activated carbons. In addition, the nanocomposite can be recycled by a soft washing procedure at ambient temperature and demonstrates a much more stable performance than the state-of-the-art activated carbon materials. Furthermore, the nanofibers have an excellent germicidal effect against the high-risk human pathogen Escherichia coli. Our work introduces a promising inorganic absorbent suitable for purifying life-sustaining water supplies in emergency situations and alleviating worldwide water shortages.

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