Leaf filter from Dresden purifies water in an environmentally friendly way

Researchers at TU Dresden recently presented “Leaftronics”, a solution inspired by nature that could significantly reduce the global e-waste problem. Now the research team is following up with another revolutionary application based on “Leaftronics” technology. Thanks to a unique metallization process, it is to be used for the sustainable treatment of water. 

If you hold a leaf up to the sun, you can see the result of thousands of years of development: fractal patterns that ensure the survival and growth of the plant. This network of veins supplies the leaf with water and nutrients from the roots. They also ensure that the products of photosynthesis, such as glucose and oxygen, are distributed evenly throughout the plant. 

Researchers at the Institute of Applied Physics at TU Dresden have been inspired by this. With “Leaftronics”, they have developed an approach that uses the natural structure of leaves to produce biodegradable substrates. The novelty: the polymers produced can not only be recycled, but also withstand high temperatures and have a high chemical stability. The substrates could therefore be used in virtually all electronic devices and contribute to generally more recyclable electronics.

But “Leaftronics” also holds another promise. Just a few weeks after the research team presented their approach to experts, they are now following up with another revolutionary application. They want to use the “Leaftronics” design to treat water sustainably. To do this, they are using a unique, environmentally friendly metallization process. The leaf structures are coated with silver or copper, transforming them into highly effective antimicrobial nets that can successfully remove even stubborn pathogens such as E. coli and faecal coliform bacteria from contaminated water. 

This system works on both laboratory-prepared samples and real sources such as municipal wastewater and is a promising solution for clean water in contaminated regions. 
Initial tests have also measured the amount of silver ions released into the water from the coated scaffolds and the levels are five times lower than the permitted limit, so the coatings appear to be ecologically safe.

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