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The film selectively Concentrates, oxidises, and releases the compounds in a cyclic fashion meaning there is no contamination of the bulk water by the oxidation compound.
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Summary: Truly clean water is a goal that current water purification technology is unable to reach. Organic pollutants, especially “compounds of emerging concern” such as endocrine disruptors, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, hormones and agricultural run-off are very difficult to completely remove. Current technologies such as filtration, ozone, UV and chemical dosing either have difficulty removing all of the pollutants, have major cost drawbacks, or have issues with residual compounds such as organochlorides. There is a clear need for a technology that can effectively help manage those issues. “With the world's population ever increasing so too is the pressure for governments and agencies to sustain clean water systems (World Water Council, 2014)” Functionalised Membranes A method of effective and inexpensive removal of these compounds can now be achieved through innovative technology created by Professor James Wright at the University of Auckland. Contaminated water in contact with a selective film induces catalytic oxidation of these compounds, rendering them inert and safe to consume. The film selectively concentrates, oxidises, and releases the compounds in a cyclic fashion meaning there is no contamination of the bulk water by the oxidation compound (hydrogen peroxide) or catalyst. Furthermore the system can be used in a continuous flow configuration allowing the safe treatment of water on a large scale. Competitive advantages • Innovative approach utilising catalytic oxidation • Highly effective in oxidative removal of organic materials • Potential to be used in various settings and in conjunction with existing remediation technologies • No need to bulk dose contaminated water. Therefore, no wastage of catalyst or need for removal of residual catalyst. • Easy to recharge the catalytic film • Does not require an energy source • Can selectively remove organic compounds • Has potential applications in other areas where efficient and selective oxidation of substrates is required, even if they are present in very dilute solutions. IP Position 2 PCT patent applications have been filed on the system and applications (PCT/NZ2016/050066).