Nanotechnology is the hottest technological fad and scientists are not only looking for solutions on microscopic, but nanoscopic level. Professor Pauline Li Pei, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, thus approached wastewater treatment problem from a nano perspective – she invented a highly absorbent material to purify waste effluents more efficiently. As opposed to conventional treatment with bacterial biodegradation that takes a long time, Core-Shell Nanosorbents purify wastewater efficiently with molecular attraction the shells of these nano-particles attract unwanted organic and inorganic contaminants. Once saturated with contaminants, they are separated from clean water by an Ultra-filtration System. The nano-particles can then be recycled after a regeneration process. This revolutionary technology has been licensed to a Hong Kong based environmental engineering group.
The project won the Gold Medal in the 35th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Technique and Products 2007, at Geneva, Switzerland; and the Best Invention award from International Jury and Islamic Azad University, Islamic Republic of Iran.
