Catalyst: The roles of chemistry in clean water for all

Abstract

Dr. Young-Shin Jun is a professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering and director of the Environmental NanoChemistry Laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis. She solves important energy and environmental challenges by using nanoscale interfacial reactions and nucleation. Her research interests in clean water include the development of novel materials, membrane processes, resource recovery, and managed aquifer recharge. She received a 2011 US National Science Foundation CAREER award, and she was named a 2015 Kavli Fellow by the US National Academy of Sciences, a 2016 Frontier of Engineering Fellow by the US National Academy of Engineering, and a 2019 American Chemical Society Fellow. Dr. Young-Shin Jun is a professor in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering and director of the Environmental NanoChemistry Laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis. She solves important energy and environmental challenges by using nanoscale interfacial reactions and nucleation. Her research interests in clean water include the development of novel materials, membrane processes, resource recovery, and managed aquifer recharge. She received a 2011 US National Science Foundation CAREER award, and she was named a 2015 Kavli Fellow by the US National Academy of Sciences, a 2016 Frontier of Engineering Fellow by the US National Academy of Engineering, and a 2019 American Chemical Society Fellow. Reaction: Harnessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) for water purificationZhu et al.ChemJune 08, 2023In BriefReactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in water purification. We outline their natural presence in the water matrix through a variety of chemical and photochemical processes and discuss advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that draw inspiration from natural principles to boost ROS generation. Moreover, we summarize key challenges in ROS-based technologies for water and wastewater treatment, explain their fundamental origins, and propose strategies for minimizing energy and chemical usage while mitigating the formation of toxic byproducts. Full-Text PDF Reaction: Avoid fairy dust when engineering water-purification technologiesPaul WesterhoffChemJune 08, 2023In BriefThis Catalysis article discusses the risks of using nanomaterials for water purification and alternative strategies, painting a fuller picture of research in clean water. Full-Text PDF Molecular design of covalent organic frameworks for seawater desalination: A state-of-the-art reviewJrad et al.ChemMay 11, 2023In BriefConventional materials’ limitations are slowing the innovation in desalination to make it more accessible and energy efficient. Novel materials, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs), provide design flexibility and could help achieve a breakthrough in desalination. This requires a comprehensive knowledge of desalination technologies and their technical challenges, as well as an understanding of the design principles of COFs. This report comprehensively discusses both of these issues while providing insights on how to design COFs for each specific desalination technology. Full-Text PDF