A robust self-regenerating graphene-based adsorbent for pharmaceutical removal from water

INVENTORS

• Kimberly Gray*
• Han Fu

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A new class of self-regenerating adsorbents (referred to as S-MGC's) created by functionalizing graphene oxide with titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide to effectively adsorb and photodegrade pharmaceutical contaminants in water.

BACKGROUND

The global rise in pharmaceutical use has led to the increasing presence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in wastewater and natural water systems that threaten both ecological and human health. Conventional adsorbents such as activated carbons (GAC or PAC) exhibit diminished performance in the presence of natural organic macromolecules, slow adsorption kinetics, and high regeneration costs. There is a pressing need for a robust, stable, and self-regenerating adsorbent to address these challenges.

ABSTRACT

The novel technology comprises a self-regenerating adsorbent that integrates photocatalytic activity to enable light-driven regeneration.  The ground-breaking approach combines crumpled graphene oxide's (GO) high surface area and strong affinity for organic pollutants with the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and volume-expanding capacity of silicon dioxide (SiO2). This synthesized nanocomposite exhibits superior adsorption capacity for pharmaceuticals compared to traditional activated carbons, delivering enhanced performance even in waters rich with natural organic matter.  In addition, the inherent photocatalytic activity of the metal oxides enables the adsorbent to regenerate its adsorption capability upon light exposure, fostering a durable and cost-effective solution for water and wastewater treatment. This breakthrough addresses a vital need for advanced water purification across industrial, municipal, and residential applications.

APPLICATIONS

• Pharmaceutical Removal: Deploys S-MGC to capture APIs from contaminated water, such as in hospital effluent.
• Water Treatment: Offers a durable solution for industrial, municipal, and residential water purification.
• Point-of-Use Treatment: Integrates into small-scale water treatment systems for on-demand purification.

ADVANTAGES

• Superior Adsorption Capacity: Outperforms conventional adsorbents like activated carbon in both single and multiple API systems.
• Self-Regenerating Capability: Restores adsorption efficiency through light exposure, reducing operating costs.
• Robust in NOM-Rich Environments: Maintains stable performance even in water containing competing natural organic materials.
• Durability and Reusability: Demonstrated performance through multiple regeneration cycles.

PUBLICATIONS

• Han Fu, et al. (2024). A novel approach to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂ by doping with nitrogen and sulfur. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Volume 261, 121998.

IP STATUS

US Patent Pending