Russian chemists from HSE University have presented innovative polymer membranes enriched with copper and other metals. They can almost completely remove nitrates from water.
In the experiment, we used a substituted polybenzimidazole synthesized by our colleagues from the INEOS RAS, but for production, another accessible and widely produced polymer can be taken, for example, unsubstituted polybenzimidazole. Another option is to apply a thin layer of synthesized polymer with metal ions to ready-made commercial membranes for electrodialysis.
Polybenzimidazole is a strong and heat-resistant polymer used in various fields, including filtration and electronics. It is well suited for creating membranes that separate ions and molecules, making it useful in water purification technologies.
Scientists have spent several years developing highly efficient ion-exchange membranes. Water passed through them is purified from 99.2% of nitrates. The development of Russian scientists can be used for a long time.
