Water purification by functionalised self-assembled monolayers on silica particles

This study focuses on a novel method to remove bio molecules and pathogens of different nature, such as proteins, viruses and oocysts, from water by silica particles coated with functionalised self-assembled monolayers. The results clearly show that organic species can efficiently be removed at pH ranges of drinking water by stirring the coated particles in the contaminated water for up to 60 min and finally filtering the powder. The removal is believed to be caused by electrostatic attraction and immobilisation of pathogens on the surface of the particles. At higher pH values above about 8, even chemisorption may occur.