Smart Core-Shell Nanosorbents for Wastewater Treatment

A research team at the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed innovative polymer particles which have well-defined hydrophobic cores and functional hydrophilic shells with particle sizes in nano- to submicro-scale. The core-shell particles can effectively adsorb most of recalcitrant organic and inorganic contaminants frequently found in landfill leachate and industrial wastewater. The saturated nanoparticles containing the adsorbed contaminants can be separated by using ultrafiltration systems, and then easily regenerated for multiple uses without affecting their adsorption capacity/removal performance for the targeted compounds.