Solar-Powered Catalyst Produces Hydrogen Peroxide for Water Disinfection

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a low-cost solar-driven catalyst in the form of nano-sized particles consisting of aluminium oxide, molybdenum sulfide, copper, and iron oxide, which can generate hydrogen peroxide and hydroxy radicals when exposed to sunlight. The catalyst can eradicate Escherichia coli colonies in contaminated water after a 60-second exposure to sunlight. The catalyst is ferromagnetic and can be easily separated using a magnet, making it an attractive alternative to water purification tablets and expensive filtration systems.