Rice 360° faculty members have developed disinfection processes using high-performance, low-cost antimicrobial nanoparticles that are amenable to magnetic separation; micro- and nano-scale surface patterns for biofilm control in water storage and distribution systems; and fouling-resistant, multifunctional membranes that remove viruses and microbes.  Engineered nanomaterials, such as nanomagnetite to remove arsenic and other heavy metals, TiO2 or fullerene-based photocatalysts to disinfect and destroy organic mircopollutants, can make water distribution networks more effective and robust, and bring clean water to the point of use.  Rice 360°  researchers that are involved in this field include: 

• Pedro Alvarez

• Vicki Colvin
• Qilin Li
• Mason Tomson