Piezo-Photocatalytic Filter Uses Sunlight, Vibrations To Clean Water

26 Jun 2025 CW Team

Researchers at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a biodegradable 3D-printed polylactic-acid scaffold coated with bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃) that removes and breaks down toxic textile and pharmaceutical dyes from wastewater. The scaffold’s unique piezo-photocatalytic action means that both sunlight and gentle mechanical vibrations activate the catalyst, so purification continues even on cloudy days. Laboratory tests show the hybrid filter eliminated 98.9 per cent of Congo Red and 74.3 per cent of Methylene Blue, outperforming conventional energy-intensive oxidation methods.

The team coupled experiments with artificial-intelligence models, training neural networks that predict degradation efficiency with up to 99 per cent accuracy, enabling rapid optimisation under varying conditions. Because the scaffold is reusable, low-cost and free of added chemicals, it offers a scalable, eco-friendly solution for industries and off-grid communities alike. By converting the savings into monetary terms, the researchers estimate the technology could cut treatment costs by about Rs 0.18 million a year for a small dye house while preventing roughly 14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

With its combination of renewable energy inputs, AI-guided design and biodegradable materials, the INST filter promises a new generation of sustainable water-treatment systems that trap pollutants—then destroy them.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..