Iron-Molybdenum-based Superfullerenes for Photocatalytically Effective Water Treatment

Short summary A German technical university renowned for its advances in water treatment technologies has developed an invention for water treatment from hard to remove substances (e.g. drug residues) and hormone-like substances by photocatalytic iron-molybdenum clusters. The main advantages are its easy application in commonly used plants, high efficiency and low cost. The institute is interested in a cooperation within a license or a research cooperation agreement to advance the technology from TRL 3 onward

Full description Contamination of the water circulation by different chemicals, drugs or even algae causes significant problems especially for the supply of drinking water. State of the art methods of water treatment incorporate mechanical, biological, and adsorptive processes. However, water-soluble harmful substances like many chemicals and drugs are particularly challenging for removing those from contaminated water. The invention by a German technical university presented here represents a potential solution and continues the latest developments of photo catalysis. Here an iron- molybdenum-based cluster with a superfullerene shape is capable by using sun light at visible wavelengths as energy source and in presence of sodium peroxodisulfate to fully degrade different (even difficult to remove) substances under photocatalytic conditions with high efficiency. In laboratory experiments at the liter scale, the degradation of substrates commonly found in contaminated waters can be achieved to a high degree over just a few hours. Since the immobilization onto a surface does not affect the catalytic efficiency, the innovation can be applied as a highly active surface in common water treatment plants. This can serve as an additional process in order to achieve further enhancements in water treatment of difficult to remove substances, which cannot be achieved by existing classical methods (e.g. adsorption, ozonization etc.). The university is interested in a cooperation in the framework of a license agreement or a research cooperation agreement. A future licensee would have the authorization to use the technology in return for a fee or a share of royalties. The client is also open to agree on a research cooperation agreement that aims at a joint further development of the technology. These cooperation types have been selected in order to find the most effective way of advancing the technology from TRL 3 onward - either through an external or a cooperative effort.

Advantages and innovations In contrast to conventional wastewater treatment processes, (e.g. adsorption or ozonization) this innovation allows for the removal of a large scope of harmful substances (e.g. drug residues) and hormone-like substances through highly effectice photocatalysis. Another advantage is its applicability for effective removal of hazardous substances in drinking water. The innovation is easily applicable in commonly used plants and promises high efficiency as well as low energy costs

Contact / source: NEXT EEN Widgets (europa.eu)