Powerful composite sorbent

Polymer Institute in cooperation with Water Research Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences have developed a highly effective composite sorbent for the removal of contaminants from water. This includes heavy metals such as As Sb Cr Cd Pb and others. The composite sorbent can be also used in wastewater treatment including wastewater from chemical and electronic industry. Contamination of water is a global problem. The presence of certain substances in water can threaten the health of the population. Among the most frequently occurring contaminants in water are heavy metals such as arsenic antimony cadmium mercury chromium ions nickel lead and others as well as waste products of various industrial production. The proposed technology represents highly effective and inexpensive method of removal of such contaminants. Residual concentrations of heavy metals achieved in laboratory tests comply with the limits for drinking water. By utilizing cellulosic precursors which are annually produced in billions of tons by nature we have been able to significantly reduce the production costs of the sorbent. The developed composite sorbent is prepared by controlled carbonization of fibrous cellulose raw materials and the resulting nanoporous carbon fibers are modified with hydrated iron oxides entrapped in the pores and on the surface of the fibers. The original molecular structure of the sorbent facilitates the achievement of a synergy effect of carbon and iron oxide and provides not only a high efficiency but also a high rate of contaminant capture. The physical structure of the composite sorbent reduces the resistance to water flow and its efficiency in removing contaminants is in the area of practical applicability independent from water pH. Main physical properties of nanoporous carbon fibers: length: 20 microns to several cm diameter: 10 to 50 microns BET surface area: several m2/g to almost 2000 m2/g. The proposed sorbent can be used in the treatment of water for drinking purposes as well as in the treatment of wastewater from chemical and electronic industry. An extensive use of the composite sorbent is assumed in areas struggling with the contamination of drinking water such as several countries in Asia. These are often areas where the input material poses a waste and by that an important ecological load on the environment. Partners are sought through licensing agreement manufacturing agreement or acquisition.