Metallic Filter Removes 99% of 50 nm Nanoplastics

Researchers from the SKKU School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering have developed a response to the growing crisis of nanoplastics—microscopic pollutants measuring less than 100 nm that can cause immune system failure or carcinogenicity.

Featured in Materials Today, the study introduces a metallic filter capable of capturing particles as small as 50 nm. The team, led by Prof. Jeong-Min Baik, coated the filter with magnesium oxide and a cationic polymer, then applied an external potential, resulting in a surface that pulls negatively charged plastics out of the water stream.

This method maintains a 99% removal rate even at high-throughput commercial speeds. Unlike many high-tech filters that require heavy infrastructure, this system is self-sufficient. It uses a triboelectric generator to harvest mechanical energy and converts it into the electricity required to power the filtration process.

The design also addresses the economic limitations of traditional filters. The filter is fully regenerable, as its system can reverse its electric field when flushing out captured particles. Based on tests, it maintains its efficiency through at least 20 reuse cycles. It also meets the World Health Organization drinking water standards when purifying tap and river water.

Prof. Baik said:

"This study is academically significant in that it mathematically clarifies the combined electrokinetic filtration mechanism of underwater nanoplastics. Going forward, the technology can be extended to various water purification applications, including bacterial removal and selective capture of valuable metal resources."

With a domestic patent already filed, the research group is now focusing on the steps necessary to bring this off-grid purification technology to the commercial market.

Read the full article here to learn more about the self-powered filter.

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