Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, have found a way to control the flow of water through carbon nanotube membranes, which could inspire new desalination and water treatment technologies [1]. By using low-voltage electricity, the flow of water through nanotubes can be manipulated at a level of precision that has never been demonstrated before, the researchers claim.

The research is seen as the first step to creating nanotube devices built to filter out specific elements from water and organic materials. It will enable more efficient micro-filtration and separation techniques for a number of applications including the production of safe drinking water.

The research was funded as part of a four-year US$ 1.3 million (EUR 1 million) grant from the National Science Foundation

[1] Wang, Z. … [et al.] (2007). Polarity-dependent electrochemically controlled transport of water through carbon nanotube membranes. Nano letters. DOI: 10.1021/nl062853g

Related news: Nanotechnology: relevance for water and sanitation in developing countries, Source Weekly, 19 Sep 2006

Contact: Nikhil A. Koratkar, Assistant Professor, Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, koratn@rpi.edu, http://www.rpi.edu/~koratn/

Source: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 13 Feb 2007

Tags: water quality