NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, NANYANG AVENUE, SINGAPORE. A team of scientists developed a nanomaterial known as Multi-use Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). It can produce clean water, can generate hydrogen and can even produce electricity. In addition to that, this nanometerial can be formed into solar cells that are flexible whose lifespan is twice that of lithium-ion batteries. Also, its bacteria-killing properties can be utilized in innovative anti-bacterial bandages. In the future, this awesome nanomaterial can help in converting today’s waste into tomorrow’s resources.

Darren Sun and team from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore developed this new material by turning titanium dioxide crystals into nanofibers. These nanofibers can be formed into flexible filter membranes. Titanium dioxide is a special material that is cheap and bountiful. Also, it has the property of bonding easily with water and accelerating chemical reactions.

Its ability in bonding with water can desalinate water and can serve as a high-flux forward osmosis membrane. Now, when it is exposed to sunlight, it can produce hydrogen. Also, it can be formed into flexible and affordable solar cells that can surely generate electricity. So far, Titanium dioxide is capable of providing an ample supply of clean water and renewable energy that is affordable. A feat that is quite hard to achieve.