Scientists are using carbon nanotubes as a filter to desalinate water…
“We found that carbon nanotubes with diameters smaller than a nanometer bear a key structural feature that enables enhanced transport. The narrow hydrophobic channel forces water to translocate in a single-file arrangement, a phenomenon similar to that found in the most efficient biological water transporters,” said Ramya Tunuguntla, an LLNL postdoctoral researcher. The nanotube pores have been specifically sized to filter water molecules in a single file, effectively let through as much as possible while blocking the larger salt ions. This method means far faster desalination times. “You can imagine if you’re a group of people trying to run through the hallway holding hands, it’s going to be a lot slower than running through the hallway single-file,” said Meni Wanunu, associate professor of physics at Northeastern University. The discovery showed the nanotubes are more effective at desalination than any current method, whether natural or man-made. Aquaporins, which are membrane proteins found in nature, desalinate salty water by transporting water at extremely high rates. The atomically smooth walls of the nanotubes are also do the same job but at an estimated six times faster. “It is very exciting to make a synthetic water channel that performs better than nature’s own,” said Alex Noy, LLNL, principal investigator. .. (LINK)