The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, has recently developed a macro/microporous ionic organic framework, commonly referred to as iVOFm. This development is aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of water contamination and improving accessibility to clean, drinkable water. The function of iVOFm, its comparison with other ion-exchange techniques, and how this novel approach can contribute to overcoming the limitations of current water purification methods will be discussed in this article.
Understanding iVOFm
Viologen-unit grafted organic-framework (iVOFm) is an innovative material that shares similarities with a sponge on a molecular level. It is designed to cleanse polluted water by absorbing the contaminants present. Freshwater sources often contain carcinogenic pollutants, which are typically removed using sorbent materials and ion-exchange techniques. However, the effectiveness of these conventional methods has been deemed insufficient, leading to the development of iVOFm.
This new material operates through an amalgamation process that combines electrostatics-driven ion-exchange with nanometer-sized macropores and specific binding sites tailored for targeted pollutants. With its inherent cationic nature and macroporosity, or cavities larger than 75 μm, iVOFm facilitates the quick diffusion of both organic and inorganic pollutants, removing more than 93% within just 30 seconds.
Unlike regular sorbent materials, it is very selective toward toxic pollutants. Furthermore, iVOFm, much like a bath sponge, can be reused multiple times, enhancing its practicality and cost-effectiveness in large-scale water purification initiatives.
The Ion-Exchange Technique Explained
To appreciate iVOFm, it’s essential to understand the concept of the Ion Exchange (IX) technique that it employs. IX is a deionisation process where dissolved impurity ions in water are substituted by hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. This exchange purifies the water, removing unwanted substances.
Water softeners utilize a similar principle as IX systems, as both can extract magnesium and calcium ions from water. However, the iVOFm approach takes this process a step further. In addition to these capabilities, iVOFm also targets a wider range of pollutants, offering an enhanced level of purification.
IVOFm is a promising development in the field of water purification. By combining established ion-exchange techniques with innovative design features such as macroporosity and pollutant-specific binding sites, it provides a more thorough and efficient solution to water contamination issues. With its practical and reusable nature, this material has the potential to significantly transform our approach to providing clean, drinkable water for all.