Solar-Powered Bio-Nano Water Purifier

What it does

This solar-powered bio-nano filtration system uses magnetic nanoparticles and photocatalysis to remove pollutants from wastewater. It offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution for purifying water, helping conserve resources and improve sustainability.

Your inspiration

I was inspired to develop a sustainable wastewater treatment system by the growing global worries about pollution and water scarcity. I investigated the possibilities of bio-nano materials and their photocatalytic and magnetic characteristics while I was a student of chemical engineering. In order to address the substantial impact wastewater has on ecosystems and human health, I envisioned a solar-powered system that could recycle water and minimize contaminants. The goal of this project is to help create a more sustainable and clean future.

How it works

The design uses magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and TiO₂, a photocatalytic material enhanced with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These materials are coated with a biopolymer to improve their ability to break down wastewater contaminants. When exposed to sunlight, TiO₂ activates, turning harmful compounds into harmless ones. The MNPs allow the system to be easily recovered and reused. Powered by solar energy, this filtration system reduces operational costs. Once developed, it could help in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, promoting water conservation and reducing pollution.

Design process

1. Conceptualization: The project was inspired by the urgent need to tackle water contamination and the limitations of traditional wastewater treatment methods. I envisioned a solar-powered filtration system using bio-nano composites to effectively remove contaminants from wastewater. 2. Research and Materials Selection: I explored materials like AgNPs, TiO₂, MNPs, and biochar for their photocatalytic and adsorption properties, which have proven effective individually. 3. Prototype Development: The system design integrates the MNP-PANI-TiO₂-AgNP composite, powered by solar energy. After filtration, the system employs magnetic recovery to enable the composite’s reuse, ensuring both efficiency and sustainability. 4. Prototype Development (Future Plans): I plan to synthesize the MNP-PANI-TiO₂-AgNP composite, test its filtration and photocatalytic effectiveness, and integrate biochar into the design. 5. Testing and Upcoming Improvements: Once developed, the prototype will undergo testing to assess its ability to adsorb heavy metals and degrade organic contaminants. The results will guide further optimization to enhance scalability, efficiency, and overall system performance.

How it is different

The integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and TiO₂ photocatalysis into a single, solar-powered wastewater treatment system is what distinguishes this design. Our strategy combines these elements into a composite that optimizes both pollutant degradation and simple recovery, whereas other methods use them separately. In addition to offering a stable and reusable filtration medium, the biopolymer coating improves the interaction between the materials and contaminants, increasing the system's efficacy. Our design is driven by solar energy, providing a sustainable and economical option in contrast to traditional approaches that frequently rely on chemical treatments or intricate energy-intensive systems. Furthermore, the composite material is highly efficient due to its magnetic recovery capability, which lowers waste and operating costs and is a significant advancement over current technology.

Future plans

The next stage is to create a functional prototype and evaluate its efficacy in treating wastewater. I intend to introduce this technique back home, concentrating on my area, where there is a pressing need for water recycling. Given the high incidence of cancer brought on by contaminated water, this approach might provide a long-term fix. By lowering health hazards and enhancing water quality, I hope to expand the project to nearby communities. I intend to work with institutions and governments in the future to increase the use of this technology across the country.

Awards

Despite the fact that this invention has not yet received any nominations or awards, I am optimistic that it will eventually be acknowledged for its creative solution to wastewater pollution and its support of sustainability. In order to have beneficial influence, I want to enter it in contests like the James Dyson Award.