Researchers from ICMM-CSIC developed magnetic iron oxide "nanoflowers" with the capacity to capture PET nanoplastics present in water. These microscopic structures, called nanoflowers due to their appearance, function as magnetic traps that attract and retain ultrafine plastic particles.
The process is not limited to just capturing the nanoplastics. After collection, the nanoflowers are capable of transforming these materials into a new type of substrate that can be used to remove other pollutants from water. This conversion capacity allows for a second use of the collected plastic waste.
The developed technology represents a significant advancement in the field of contaminated water treatment by plastics. Nanoplastics, due to their nanoscale dimension, are particularly difficult to remove through conventional filtration methods, which makes this magnetic solution an innovative approach to a growing environmental problem.
The researchers point out that this discovery opens the way for the implementation of a circular economy in the context of plastic pollution, combining environmental remediation with waste valorization. The application of this technology may enable more advanced and sustainable water treatment systems.
