Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 2 (HBTV): A research team at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has developed a novel, multi-functional aerogel with significant potential to address major environmental challenges, including wastewater treatment, industrial pollution, and oil-water separation.
Led by Prof. P. K. Giri of the Department of Physics and Centre for Nanotechnology, the study introduces an advanced material designed to tackle industrial waste through multiple mechanisms. Aerogels are ultra-lightweight, highly porous materials known for their large surface area and exceptional adsorption properties, making them ideal for diverse environmental and industrial uses.
The findings of the research have been published in the international journal Carbon. Prof. Giri co-authored the study with his research scholars Koushik Ghosh, Sanjoy Sur Roy, Sirsendu Ghosal, and Debabrata Sahu.
With rapid industrialisation and agricultural expansion contributing to the release of pollutants ranging from soluble organic compounds like antibiotics and dyes to insoluble oils, effective wastewater treatment has become a global necessity. This challenge is further exacerbated by the increasing scarcity of clean water, underscoring the demand for advanced, sustainable solutions.
While conventional methods such as membrane filtration and chemical precipitation are widely used, Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) have gained prominence for their efficiency in degrading pollutants. In particular, Peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-activated AOPs are notable for generating highly reactive sulfate and hydroxyl radicals capable of breaking down complex organic molecules, even at low concentrations.
In this context, the IIT Guwahati team has developed a hybrid aerogel by integrating MXene—a two-dimensional material known for its high conductivity and chemical reactivity—with carbon foam. By introducing phosphorus doping into the MXene framework, the researchers enhanced its PMS activation capability, enabling the efficient breakdown of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater.
Beyond wastewater purification, the aerogel demonstrated excellent performance in oil-water separation. Its porous structure selectively absorbs oil while repelling water, making it highly effective in cleaning up oil spills and treating industrial effluents. This process is both efficient and environmentally sustainable.
Highlighting the importance of the work, Prof. Giri said, ‘This study demonstrates how a single engineered material can offer multiple solutions to environmental challenges. The hybrid aerogel we developed shows promising results in wastewater purification, oil-water separation, and strain sensing, combining environmental sustainability with practical versatility.’
Additionally, the aerogel functions as a flexible strain sensor, with its electrical resistance varying in response to mechanical stress. This feature enables applications in wearable electronics, smart devices, and structural health monitoring systems.
While the Ti₃C₂Tₓ-based hybrid aerogel shows impressive performance, its traditional hydrofluoric acid (HF)-based synthesis poses environmental and toxicity concerns. To overcome this, the research team is exploring acid-free synthesis methods for large-scale use. They are also working on introducing a co-catalyst layer to improve the aerogel’s durability and performance by preventing the degradation of MXene nanosheets during catalysis.
(ANI)