Nanocomposite Achieves Pollutant Degradation Success
WATER & WASTE

Nanocomposite Achieves Pollutant Degradation Success

The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), based in Guwahati, has made a significant breakthrough in environmental science. The IASST team has developed a novel nanocomposite that has demonstrated a remarkable 96.15% success rate in degrading pollutants. This innovative material combines reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with zinc oxide (ZnO), forming a composite that effectively breaks down organic pollutants under sunlight.

The team, led by Dr. Debaraj Mukherjee, focused on addressing water pollution caused by harmful organic dyes commonly discharged from textile and dyeing industries. These dyes, if not treated properly, pose severe environmental and health risks. The newly developed nanocomposite offers a promising solution to this problem, leveraging the photocatalytic properties of ZnO and the high surface area and electron mobility of rGO.

During testing, the nanocomposite was able to degrade methylene blue, a common organic dye pollutant, with a high degree of efficiency. The process involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when the nanocomposite is exposed to sunlight. These ROS then attack and break down the dye molecules into less harmful substances.

This development is significant because it presents an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for wastewater treatment. Traditional methods of treating dye-laden wastewater are often energy-intensive and can generate secondary pollutants. In contrast, the IASST nanocomposite utilizes sunlight, making it a sustainable option for large-scale applications.

The research has garnered attention not only for its high degradation efficiency but also for its potential scalability and practical implementation. The team is now looking to further optimize the nanocomposite for different pollutants and explore its commercial viability. This innovation could play a crucial role in mitigating industrial pollution and safeguarding water resources.

The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), based in Guwahati, has made a significant breakthrough in environmental science. The IASST team has developed a novel nanocomposite that has demonstrated a remarkable 96.15% success rate in degrading pollutants. This innovative material combines reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with zinc oxide (ZnO), forming a composite that effectively breaks down organic pollutants under sunlight. The team, led by Dr. Debaraj Mukherjee, focused on addressing water pollution caused by harmful organic dyes commonly discharged from textile and dyeing industries. These dyes, if not treated properly, pose severe environmental and health risks. The newly developed nanocomposite offers a promising solution to this problem, leveraging the photocatalytic properties of ZnO and the high surface area and electron mobility of rGO. During testing, the nanocomposite was able to degrade methylene blue, a common organic dye pollutant, with a high degree of efficiency. The process involves the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when the nanocomposite is exposed to sunlight. These ROS then attack and break down the dye molecules into less harmful substances. This development is significant because it presents an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for wastewater treatment. Traditional methods of treating dye-laden wastewater are often energy-intensive and can generate secondary pollutants. In contrast, the IASST nanocomposite utilizes sunlight, making it a sustainable option for large-scale applications. The research has garnered attention not only for its high degradation efficiency but also for its potential scalability and practical implementation. The team is now looking to further optimize the nanocomposite for different pollutants and explore its commercial viability. This innovation could play a crucial role in mitigating industrial pollution and safeguarding water resources.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code