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Cleaning oil-spilled water now easier with IIT Guwahati's indigenous aerogel

Cleaning oil-spilled water now easier with IIT Guwahati's indigenous aerogel

India Today01-05-2025
A group of scholars at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has introduced a strange material that can potentially cure most ailments of our era. Headed by Professor PK Giri of the Department of Physics and Centre for Nanotechnology, the team has formed a new type of aerogel - light, porous, and full of potential.This new compound, created through the combination of a material known as MXene with carbon foam, has been very proficient in purifying waste from water and demixing oil from water.advertisementThe researchers enhanced the power of the MXene by adding phosphorus to it, which broke down toxic substances that are commonly present in water utilized by industrial or agricultural use.
These substances are dyes, antibiotics, and oils that do not dissolve in water.They published their results in the journal Carbon, and four young researchers - Mr. Koushik Ghosh, Mr. Sanjoy Sur Roy, Mr. Sirsendu Ghosal, and Mr. Debabrata Sahu - assisted in the work.With pure water in short supply and contamination on the increase, most seek improved methods of treating wastewater. Although older technology is available, utilising strong chemical processes like the Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system is gaining notice.The new aerogel can awaken this chemical to work more intensely and cleanly.Not only does this substance purify water, but it also performs as a suitable oil remover. Its small pores absorb oil without allowing water through, so it's helpful when cleaning spills and cleaning factory effluent.advertisementUnbeknownst to many, this aerogel also adjusts its electric resistance when bent or compressed, finding application in wearable devices and construction maintenance.While the process employed to produce this aerogel is problematic because of the use of concentrated acid, the group now looks for safer methods to produce it and aims to strengthen it by incorporating another assisting layer.So, one material can soon replace many—cleaning, separating, and sensing—providing a cleaner future in plain form.Must Watch
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Have we found the solution to reversing aging in magic mushrooms? Scientists believe they're closer than ever
Have we found the solution to reversing aging in magic mushrooms? Scientists believe they're closer than ever

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time2 days ago

  • Time of India

Have we found the solution to reversing aging in magic mushrooms? Scientists believe they're closer than ever

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Chimpanzees caught copying human habits in bizarre new 'fashion trend', scientists stunned by viral primate culture
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Time of India

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  • Time of India

Chimpanzees caught copying human habits in bizarre new 'fashion trend', scientists stunned by viral primate culture

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Alaska earthquake of magnitude 7.3 hits near Sand Point, Tsunami warning issued
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