WATER

Winning Applications of nanoTEchnology for Resolutive hydropurification

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overall objectives are: strengthening the research potential of the applicant in order to formulate a solid and long term research strategy about nanotechnology applications; increase its visibility in the ERA; determining an impact on the local economy and society through technology innovation. The focus is on the application of nanotechnology to water treatment, aiming to boost the research potential in this emerging research domain. Worldwide 1.2 billion people suffer inadequate access to clean water. Nanotechnology is expected to improve the water filtration with lower cost and energy. These are the major motivations for undertaking such an initiative – relying on the local know-how on nanotechnology – that aims to develop novel applications attracting industrial and service assets. The action includes widening of the existing research infrastructures; exchange of know-how and personnel with partners to tackle the issues of the proposed nanotech-based innovation and improve the opportunities of collaborative research; reinforcement of research staff; refinement of management capacities; innovative dissemination actions both for specialists and broader audience; development of a strategic plan for the IP. The multidisciplinary partnership includes top class scientists from UK, Spain, France, Germany and Norway, local authorities, representatives of ministerial institutions, water treatment SME and filters technology world leader company, to guarantee the effectiveness and sustainability of the Action. The nanotech filtration up-scalable to industrial production will sustain the society and the economy of the Ionic Sicily, by improving the quality of the sea water, through innovative filtration of waste water flowing into the sea, and of drinkable water in a region suffering from lack of water. The general outcome will consist in a change of the local mentality, by the affirmation of a long term vision and strategy in a common scientific and social context.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

More than a billion people globally do not have enough clean water and 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation. Italian researchers in a region challenged by drought plan to remedy that at both the local and global scale.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

A truly team effort to apply nanotechnology to water filtration that can serve as a model in many areas is emerging within the context of the EU-funded project 'Winning applications of nanotechnology for resolutive hydropurification' (http://www.water.imm.cnr.it/index.php?lang=en (WATER)). WATER is spear-headed by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) in Catania, Italy, in collaboration with the University of Catania, together having world-renowned expertise in nanotechnology and materials research. A case study will take place at Aci Castello, a small town in the Catania area with a protected sea region of interest to the European Commission.

Leaders have put together a multidisciplinary and cross-sectorial partnership that forms a unique bridge for the first time in a European high-tech field. Specialised EU research scientists, local and national authorities, and companies of all sizes have joined forces. The focus is on production of nano-structured smart membranes for water filtration on a large scale using atomic layer deposition (ALD).

Funding supported establishment of a new facility at CNR Catania for ALD and graphene chemical vapour deposition. There are currently 13 doctoral students pursuing WATER topics under the mentorship of partner scientists. Advances in topics such as disinfection by photocatalysis induced by metal oxide nanomaterials and carbon nanotubes have resulted in publications in high-impact scientific journals.

The project is quickly gaining international recognition. WATER organised the prestigious Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nanotechnology Materials and Devices Conference in Aci Castello in 2014. It was the ninth conference of its kind and the first to be held in Europe. Public outreach has included television and radio spots. A competition for the creation of a video game on nanotechnology and water purification resulted in a prize to the winner, presented at the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS) spring meeting in 2014.

WATER is forging a strong partnership among the scientific community, local and regional public and private authorities, companies of all sizes and the public for mobilisation to action for the common good. Its model for more effective and focused cooperation will ensure that innovative ideas are turned into commercial technologies to address European and global societal challenges.