New Material to Remove Water Pollutants

Recently, a team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune has designed a unique molecular sponge-like material - macro/microporous ionic organic framework - which can quickly clean polluted water by soaking up various contaminants.

Context

• Studies have identified various organic as well as inorganic toxic pollutants that are carcinogenic in fresh water sources. These pollutants pose a direct threat to humans and other living organisms.
• Commonly utilised sorbent materials trap these pollutants through ion-exchange to purify water but suffer from poor kinetics and specificity. The new material could be helpful in mitigating this issue.