A pure carbon structure produced by high pressure, diamond has countless uses. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, it is used in industrial processes due to its high hardness and is also used in the production of semiconductors. His one of their new applications is water purification from factory. Reverse osmosis membranes are typically used to treat this type of wastewater. However, water in industrial applications is often very hot, interfering with membrane function and purification processes. Therefore, it must be cooled first, resulting in energy costs. After that, if you want to reuse it, you have to heat it again.
The solution lies in nanodiamonds
Researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada have explored alternative ways to make membranes work in very hot water. . To do this, the team sought new ways to embed nanodiamonds. They added amines, derivatives of ammonia, to them. Next, they relied on an ethyl acetate bath that prevented the nanodiamonds from agglomerating and retained their structure. In tests, the new membrane maintained its effectiveness for 9 hours at a temperature of 75°C. This innovative technology may therefore open the door to industrial water treatment and reuse with a lower carbon footprint.
A smart bandage made from nanodiamonds
The properties of nanodiamonds are also being applied in the medical world. One problem with conventional bandages is that the bandage must be removed to see if the wound is infected, resulting in patient discomfort. At his RMIT University in Australia, he proposed a new generation of smart bandages to detect infectious processes. One of the hallmarks of infection is elevated skin temperature, making diamonds susceptible to biological temperature.
The researchers used silk fibers that incorporated nanodiamonds using an electrospinning process. By measuring the temperature of the new silk fabric, the doctor will be able to determine the condition of the wound. Not only that, but the material has been tested to be antibacterial. Also, its structure maintains the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. Scientists believe these innovative smart bandages can be manufactured at a reasonable cost, despite the materials used.
Coming back to water purification, if you want to learn more about new, more efficient and sustainable processes, I recommend this article on solar powered water purification.Some are revolutionary water purification Technologies inspired by the animal and plant kingdoms, such as this system based on manta ray gills and a system inspired by plant roots.
sauce: Phys.org, Science Daily
