The project aimed to address pressing water treatment challenges by developing innovative 3D-printed photocatalytic materials and advanced reactor configurations. Globally, water contamination from hazardous organic pollutants, metals, and pathogens poses significant environmental and health risks, often aggravated by industrial activities. Traditional treatment methods are often insufficient or unsustainable for handling diverse contaminants, necessitating new, cost-effective, and scalable technologies that can be applied in both developed and emerging economies.
PURAQUA project addressed these challenges by (1) developing photoactive catalysts for pollutant degradation and microbial inactivation, (2) creating 3D-printed membranes embedded with these catalysts for water treatment, and (3) designing continuous flow reactors to demonstrate practical applications in water purification.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS
1. Development of Photoactive Catalysts: The project has developed TiO2, ZnO, Nb2O₅, and iron oxide-based catalysts, leveraging their unique photocatalytic properties to degrade organic pollutants and eliminate pathogens. By exploring various techniques, including atomic layer deposition and electrophoretic deposition, to immobilize catalysts onto 3D-printed substrates, the project addresses the need for efficient and stable catalyst systems. This focus supports global goals for cleaner water by advancing materials that perform well under irradiation, offering a sustainable solution to water contamination.
2. 3D-Printed Membranes for Water Treatment: By employing advanced materials such as ceramic-like composites, carbon-based inks, and conductor graphene-based substrates, the project has developed membranes capable of degrading contaminants in both batch and continuous flow systems. A circular economy approach is incorporated by using industrial residues like red mud, which enhances sustainability and reduces costs. This objective aligns with the European Union's Green Deal by promoting industrial symbiosis and reducing waste, setting a strong precedent for sustainable manufacturing practices in water treatment.
3. Prototype Development for Continuous Flow Evaluation: The project has created and optimized continuous flow reactors that incorporate these 3D-printed membranes, aiming facilitating large-scale implementation. The design includes both flat and tubular membrane configurations, allowing adaptability for various water treatment needs. This approach underscores the project’s emphasis on scalability and real-world application, vital for addressing water scarcity in urban and industrial contexts.
EXPECTED IMPACTS
While the project introduces innovative approaches in photocatalytic materials and 3D-printed reactor design, its impact is envisioned as a complementary advancement in the field of water treatment. These materials and methods, still in their early stages, may offer incremental improvements to existing water purification technologies by enhancing photocatalytic efficiency and supporting a sustainable materials approach. While not anticipated to replace conventional methods, the project could serve as a building block for further research and development, contributing modestly to cleaner water solutions and potentially influencing sustainable practices in water treatment technologies.
