Chemistry

Scientists create “molecular traps” to remove pollutants from water.

Credit: Manchester University

Manchester University scientists have developed new materials that help reduce water pollution caused by harmful chemicals such as the remaining drugs and hygiene products.

Water pollution is one of the challenges of the growth of modern life. Many daily items, from drugs to cosmetics, leave residues that are completely disassembled after use. These pollutants often destroy the ecosystem and find the path to a water system that harms plants, animals and humans.

Studies posted in the Journal Cell Reports Physical Science describe new methods that use a molecular structure called metal organic cage (MOC). These small cages work like traps designed to catch and hold harmful molecules often found in our water supply.

MOCs have previously been studied to capture gas and chemical substances, but their performance is most commonly studied in chemical solvents that are largely different from those that are observed in water. Therefore, being able to prove the capture of established waste contaminants is a step to apply these cages for actual applications.

Jack Light, a researcher at Manchester University, has completed his research as part of his doctorate. But, so far, researchers have not been able to apply them to the real world of water systems.

“Many harmful chemicals are difficult to remove from water, and this new MOC technology is especially in rivers and lakes near the city, especially in rivers and lakes near cities. It is the most common industrial area to provide valuable tools to prevent entering the ecosystem.

The cage is composed of metal ions connected by organic molecules, forming a hollow pyramid structure. These hollow spaces at the center of these structures are where MOCS traps specific molecules such as pollutants and gas.

The new structure incorporates a chemical group called sulfonate, is compatible with water, and works on actual water systems such as rivers and waste water.

Use a natural effect called hydrophobic binding. There, the contaminated substance molecules are not limited to water, but prefers to “stick” inside the cage. As a result, the material can select and hold pollutants selectively even in a challenging water environment.

According to Dr. Dr. Imogen Dr. Dr. Dr. Manchester University, “one of the real strengths of this method is flexible. The approach we developed is other water -soluble MOCs with various sizes or characteristics. Can be used to design a lot of pollutants, and the development of a drug delivery strategy.

Currently, researchers are more expanded to water -soluble cages, capture more different pollutants, and to recycle cages to support the development of a sustainable water -made assistive device. We are working on development.

Details: Jack D. Wright et al, large water-soluble (FE4L6) 4-Capsule hydrophobic pollutants in cage, cells report physical science (2025). Doi: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102404

Provided by Manchester University

Quote: Scientists created a “molecular trap”, and on January 28, 2025, https://phys.org/news/2025-01- scientists-molecular-polluts.html. Remove pollutants (January 28, 2025)

This document is subject to copyright. There is no part that is reproduced without writing permission, apart from fair transactions for private research and research purpose. Content is provided only by information.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button