The Role of Nanotechnology in Improving Water Coagulation and Treatment Processes: A Comparison with Traditional Methods

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from ۱ to ۱۰۰ nanometers (nm). At this scale, commonly known as the nanoscale, surface area and quantum mechanical effects become important in describing properties of matter. This definition of nanotechnology includes all types of research and technologies that deal with these special properties. This article examines the application of nanoparticles in the treatment of contaminated water, with a particular focus on bimetallic nanoparticles of gold and palladium. Research conducted at Rice University demonstrates that these nanoparticles serve as highly effective catalysts for removing hazardous pollutants such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC) from water, capable of decomposing these substances a hundred times faster than conventional catalysts. TCE and PERC are recognized as common solvents in various industries, and their presence in water sources can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage and cancer. The high costs associated with water treatment and the removal of these contaminants, especially in the United States, highlight the need for more effective and cost-efficient solutions. Palladium nanoparticles offer significant advantages over traditional catalysts due to their ability to directly convert TCE and PERC into non-toxic materials. This article also explores different types of palladium catalysts and the impact of nanoscale dimensions on increasing surface contact and their efficiency. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the importance of nanotechnology as a novel approach to eliminating environmental pollutants, particularly water contaminants, and provides recommendations for advancing this technology in the Islamic Republic of Iran. These recommendations include raising public awareness, supporting private companies, and facilitating international collaboration to accelerate activities and achieve notable successes in this field. The article underscores that nanotechnology can play a crucial role in improving water quality and reducing environmental pollution, necessitating careful planning and coordination in this regard.

کلیدواژه ها:

Nanotechnology ، Water Technology ، Nanoadsorbents ، Nanometals ، Nanomembranes ، Photocatalysis