Researchers have developed a new material that uses sunlight to remove dangerous pollutants from water—offering a promising, eco-friendly approach to both environmental cleanup and power generation.
Image Credit: Smolkov Vladislav/Shutterstock.com
The innovation centers around thin, fiber-like strips of titanium dioxide (TiO2), a compound widely used in solar cells, gas sensors, and self-cleaning surfaces. The material was created through a combination of soft chemistry gels and electrospinning—a technique that uses an electrical force to produce ultra-fine fibers from a liquid.
While TiO2 is commonly used in solar fuel systems, its photocatalytic abilities are typically limited because it can only absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, which makes up a small portion of sunlight. This limitation results in low efficiency and often requires complicated filtration systems, making widespread use challenging.
To overcome this, the research team enhanced the material by adding copper. The result: a new structure called a “nanomat” that absorbs more of the solar spectrum and significantly boosts photocatalytic activity. These nanomats were able to break down harmful pollutants in both air and water, according to Pelagia-Irene Gouma, lead author of the study and a professor of materials science and engineering at The Ohio State University.
There hasn’t been an easy way to create something like a blanket that you can lay on water and start creating energy. But we are the only ones who have made these structures and the only ones to demonstrate that they actually work.
Pelagia-Iren Gouma, Study Lead Author and Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University
The study was recently published in the journal Advanced Science.
When TiO2 absorbs light, it generates electrons that interact with water to produce reactive species that break down pollutants. With copper added, this process becomes significantly more efficient. The researchers studied the nanomats’ properties to understand what made them behave differently from traditional self-cleaning nanoparticles.
Surprisingly, Gouma noted, the nanomats outperformed traditional solar cells in power generation when exposed to natural sunlight.
These nanomats can be used as a power generator, or as water remediation tools. In both ways, you have a catalyst with the highest efficiency reported to date.
Pelagia-Iren Gouma, Study Lead Author and Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University
The mats are lightweight, float on water, and can be reused through multiple cleaning cycles. Their ease of use and reusability make them ideal for cleaning industrial pollutants in developing countries, where access to clean water remains a challenge.
Because the technology doesn’t produce toxic byproducts—unlike some solar cell systems—the nanomats offer a particularly environmentally friendly solution. “It’s a safe material,” Gouma said. “It won’t hurt anything, and it’s as clean as it can be.”
Still, despite their efficiency, scaling the technology for widespread use will depend on industrial adoption.
We have the tools to make them in large quantities and translate them to various industries. The only limitation is that it needs someone to take advantage of these abundant resources.
Pelagia-Iren Gouma, Study Lead Author and Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University
The study points to the potential of nanomats in future applications ranging from environmental remediation to solar-driven hydrogen production. For now, the team is focused on further optimizing the material.
“This material is completely novel in terms of a new form of nanotechnology. It’s really impressive and something that we are very excited about,” said Gouma
Other Ohio State co-authors include Fateh Mikaeilia and Mohammad Mahafuzur Rahaman. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation.
Journal Reference:
Mikaeili, F., et al. (2025) 3D Self-Supported Visible Light Photochemical Nanocatalysts. Advanced Science. doi.org/10.1002/advs.202502981