This Ultra Cheap Material Uses Sunlight to Purify Drinking Water

What it is: Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have designed a photocatalytic material that can absorb sunlight and generate high-energy, oxygen-activating electrons in water. Best of all, this material also has the capacity to destroy organic compounds like bacteria. The material is fully solar-powered, which means it could easily be added to plastic to create a cheap water purifier. This recent discovery is seen as one step closer towards helping the 750 million people in the world without access to improved water. A more effective solution, yet also a more challenging one to solve in the long run, would be to purify water before it runs to ground.

Why it's important: This photocatalytic material has the potential to demonetize, dematerialize and democratize access to improved water in parts of the world where water purifiers are too expensive or complex to operate. It's one more example of how technology can make even scarce resources like clean water abundant. Join the Discussion

Spotted by Aryadeep S. Acharya / Written by Sydney Fulkerson