Researchers Shed (Laser) Light on Emerging Water Treatment Technique

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society revealed the photophysical properties of ferrate, a strong oxidant that requires light activation to work best.

When excited by light, ferrate converts into a more powerful oxidant called Fe(V) or Iron-5+. Cali Antolini, a Ph.D. student at the University of Rhode Island (URI), discovered that ferrate converts to Fe(V) at a 15% rate and requires light wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet spectra nearly into the visible light spectrum.

The findings in this study are significant in water treatment in two ways: 1) ferrate excitation using visible lights is more energy efficient than using ultraviolet light, and 2) Fe(V) can be produced in different water conditions.

Joseph Goodwill, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at URI, said ferrate-based purification systems are more viable for smaller systems, unlike ozone systems. He also said ferrate has the potential to remove stubborn contaminants, including PFAS, and reduce the reliance on chlorine and other harsh chemicals.

Read the full article here to learn more about ferrate and its promising role in water treatment systems.

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