Water Purifier Kills Bacteria and Viruses Using Static Electricity

Researchers from South Korea and China developed a cost-effective water purifier. However, unlike most water purifiers, this model is not powered by batteries or electricity from an outlet. Instead, it uses static electricity your body generates while walking for at least 10 minutes.

The study, published in Nature Water, stated that the team created nanorods from the conducting polymer called polypyrrole and incorporated them into a polymer electrode. This electrode was then inserted into a reusable 500 mL water bottle and was connected through a copper wire to the aluminum foil placed on the bottle's outside surface.

During a 10-minute walk, the static electricity transfers from your palm to the aluminum foil and through the copper wire to reach the polymer electrode. Then, the nanorods focus these electrostatic charges on bacteria and viruses in the water.

Through rigorous testing, the researchers have confirmed that the electrostatic charges generated during a 10-minute walk are sufficient to kill or inactivate bacteria and viruses, making this a practical and effective solution for water purification.

"Our water disinfection approach holds particular significance for populations in underdeveloped regions, isolated areas, disaster zones and conflict areas lacking adequate sanitation infrastructure," said Sang-Woo Kim, professor at Yonsei University in South Korea and co-author of the study.

According to Zheng-Yang Huo, assistant professor at Renmin University of China and co-author of the study, the efficacy of their walking-powered method depends on the type of footwear. Shoes made from rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polycarbonate produce higher electrical output than leather shoes.

Read the full article here to learn more about the static electricity-powered water purifier.

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