A recent study led by Flinders University has addressed the issue of pollution caused by dyes in textile, food, and cosmetics industry by uncovering an innovative method to break down and potentially eliminate harmful organic chemicals, including azo dyes, from wastewater. This method involves using a chemical photocatalysis process powered by ultraviolet (UV) light.

Professor Gunther Andersson, leading the study at Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, explains that the process utilizes tiny clusters of gold atoms attached to titanium dioxide. These clusters, when exposed to UV light, drive the reaction by converting its energy and enhancing the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide.

According to Professor Andersson, the gold nanocluster cocatalysts accelerate the reaction, reducing the time needed by six times. This process efficiently breaks down organic pollutants like azo dyes into harmless water and carbon dioxide molecules.

Traditional wastewater treatment methods often struggle to eliminate hazardous contaminants effectively. Dr. Anahita Motamedisade, a co-author of the study, explains that some chemicals are resistant to degradation and can generate harmful by-products. The research aims to develop more sustainable and comprehensive methods to address this global issue.

Dr. Motamedisade's Ph.D. research, focusing on improving winery wastewater treatment, inspired this study. The team hopes to further develop these sustainable degradation processes to completely eliminate toxins and combat water pollution effectively.