University of Newcastle research aims to address global water security

The development of a low-cost portable water filtration bag will be the focus of new research supported by a
$489,537 Clean Water Drinking Solutions Pty Ltd Grant.

The research led by University of Newcastle Professor Ajayan Vinu will explore nanomaterials (materials with
at least one external dimension measuring less than 100 nanometres) to address the challenges of drinking
water shortages.

The project will aim to develop new and advanced kinds of ordered nanoporous materials that can be used to
create a portable water filtration bag. The bag will be developed to provide enhanced cleaning of contaminated
water to make it fit for drinking and other purposes.

These materials will be tested for their ability to remove various pollutants, bacteria, and viruses as well as
filtering out all contaminants and particles to purify water. Contributing to the development of advanced,
sustainable, and accessible water treatment solutions, this shift in water filtration technology has the potential
to address global water security needs.

This project will expand upon the research of the University of Newcastle’s Global Innovative Centre for
Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), of which Professor Vinu is the Professor of Nanomaterials and Director