Our project aims to develop an efficient, effective, and eco-friendly method for removing microplastics from water. Under ultrasound, we allow commercially available magnetic nano-γ-Fe2O3 to stick onto microplastics in water. Once adsorbed with magnetic nano-γ-Fe2O3, microplastics become magnetic and can be removed easily with a magnet.
Our method achieves up to 99% efficiency for common plastics (PE, PS, PP, PET) in just 20 minutes. It is cost-effective, avoids secondary pollution, and works across different plastic types and sizes.
This is how I came up with the idea for this project:Our concept was born from the realization that existing magnetic-nanoparticle-involved methods of microplastic removal relied on expensive, lab-synthesized materials, while commercially available bare nano-γ-Fe₂O₃, though cheaper and scalable, was experimented. Utilizing ultrasound allows our material to be easily absorbed onto microplastics, facilitating efficient removal.
