Functionalized graphene oxide nanoparticles for improved saltwater treatment

With the increasing severity of water droughts and water shortages caused by climate change, it becomes more important than ever to find accessible and reliable sources of freshwater. One way to do this is through the removal of salt from saltwater. Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles can be functionalized, allowing for saltwater absorption and water purification. Our objective was to synthesize, characterize, and determine the ability of different functional groups on GO nanoparticles to purify saltwater. We hypothesized that functionalized GO nanoparticles, due to their increased surface area and optimal surface energy, could increase the adsorption of salt from saltwater for freshwater generation. GO was synthesized and then was functionalized with environmentally-friendly chitosan and silver (Ag). Chitosan was selected for its high hydrophilicity which aids in dispersing the GO nanoparticles in water and Ag for its ability to counter biofouling. The size of the nanoparticles was measured to be around 350 nm, thus, providing for greater surface area for water purification than larger traditional particles. Results showed that the functionalized GO nanoparticles removed salt from saltwater providing an inexpensive, environmentally-friendly, and effective way to generate freshwater.