A new solution for wastewater remediation

Synthetic dyes are used across a wide variety of industries and constitute a serious concern when it comes to water pollution. These dyes are not only toxic, but they also persist in the environment for a long time without degradation. Most approaches to removing synthetic dyes from water are based on adsorption—a phenomenon where a chemical molecule becomes bonded to the surface of a substrate called an adsorbent. Carbon-based systems are commonly adopted as adsorbents, but they are limited by the need for a safe disposal route for the used adsorbent and the inability to reuse the material. Many polymers have also been investigated as adsorbents, but they show poor water solubility and stability.