Reaction: Avoid fairy dust when engineering water-purification technologies

Abstract

Prof. Paul Westerhoff joined Arizona State University in August 1995 after working in industry and obtaining his PhD and was promoted to full professor as a university exemplar in 2007. He served as chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and was the founding director for the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. His research is in the area of water quality and treatment, specifically related to emerging pollutants and oxidation processes, and he received several research awards related to these topics. He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2023. Prof. Paul Westerhoff joined Arizona State University in August 1995 after working in industry and obtaining his PhD and was promoted to full professor as a university exemplar in 2007. He served as chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and was the founding director for the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. His research is in the area of water quality and treatment, specifically related to emerging pollutants and oxidation processes, and he received several research awards related to these topics. He was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering in 2023. 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 Catalyst: The roles of chemistry in clean water for allYoung-Shin JunChemJune 08, 2023In BriefUnderstanding nanoscale interfacial reactions unlocks the chemistry controls that are critical for generating clean water. This catalysis article discusses three important roles of chemistry in clean water: understanding and controlling evolving interfaces induced by nucleation, deciphering and utilizing hidden interfaces in nanoconfined spaces, and harnessing interfaces with functionalized surfaces. Chemically guided developments of new materials and technologies for purifying clean water can bring all water resources back to one H2O, which supports life for all people. Full-Text PDF