Development of multifunctional nanocomposite fibrous electrodes for electro-oxidation filtration

Population growth, the emergence of new and more persistent pollutants with the lack of adequate water resources limit the ability of current water treatment and disinfection technologies, making clean and potable water supply a growing problem worldwide. Electro-oxidation filtration is a hybrid technology that is a combination of filtration and electro-oxidation, thus combining the advantages of both technologies. In this technology, the porous filtration material is also electrically conductive and thus also serves as an electrode, which enables electrochemical reactions with the help of an external electrical source. Such an electrode has extremely increased surface area, which greatly improves its performance, as electrochemical processes occur at the surface of the electrodes. This hybrid technology allows the oxidation of organic pollutants, reduction of anions and halogenated organic compounds, removal of toxic heavy metals, deionization of salts, disinfection of water and reduced fouling which extends the lifespan of filtration material. Nanotechnology enables the improvement of existing and the development of new water treatment technologies. Immobilization of nanomaterials, such as silver nanowires, into fibrous substrates allows the preparation of multifunctional porous nanocomposites. The aim of the research is to prepare durable multifunctional fibrous nanocomposites that can be used as a porous electrode in an electro-oxidation filtration cell for water purification. Electrically conductive and antimicrobial fibrous nanocomposites act as a filtration material and an electrode at the same time. As part of the project, multifunctional silver nanowires will be immobilized on or into fibrous substrates with various methods. Nanomaterials exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties and microorganisms do not develop resistance to them. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become one of the major threats to public health. The electrical conductivity of insulating substrates will be achieved through the formation of an intertwined network of nanoparticles that allows the flow of the electric current. The most important property in the development of multifunctional nanocomposite fibrous electrodes will be their durability, especially in the wet environment and under the influence of water flow. The leaching of nanomaterials nullifies the usefulness of nanocomposites due to the loss of properties and poses an environmental problem, as they are potentially toxic. Durability will be achieved by embedding silver nanowires in the fibers, by means of bonding compounds between the fiber and the silver nanowires, or by a protective layer over the silver nanowires coating on the fibrous substrate. Suitable nanocomposites will be used as fibrous electrodes in the electro-oxidation filtration cell for the removal of organic and microbiological substances. In order to use a fibrous electrode in an innovative electro-oxidation filtration cell, it must possess electrical conductivity, porosity, durability, suitable mechanical resistance and anodic or cathodic stability. Successful contaminant removal and long lifespan of the nanocomposite fibrous electrode will have greater potential for its realistic application. Nanocomposites or antimicrobial and electrically conductive fibers have possible applications for sensors, smart textiles, textiles with entertainment electronics, and are of interest to biomedicine, sports, military, packaging, food, electronics, telecommunications and other industries. Innovative water treatment technology and the development of a durable nanocomposite fibrous electrode are in line with the objectives of the Horizon 2021 program, the SRA strategic development, the European and Slovenian textile technology platforms. New findings are expected in the field of nanomaterials, nanotechnologies, nanocomposite preparation, electro-oxidative filtration and the use of nanocomposites for water purification.