A/Prof Xiaoguang Duan’s research is dedicated to developing innovative and sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of antibiotics and other micropollutants on environmental contamination.
His team focuses on creating advanced and chemically modified nanomaterials that can efficiently remove antibiotics from water. Utilizing green catalysis technologies, they have developed nanoscale carbon materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and nanodiamonds that are both cost-effective and highly effective in breaking down antibiotics into harmless byproducts. These materials work by generating reactive oxygen species through advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The carbocatalyst-driven AOPs can rapidly attack and degrade organic pollutants such as antibiotics, drugs, and microplastics without leaving secondary contaminants.
Additionally, they are exploring the integration of these nanomaterials into practical water treatment devices and plants, making it easier to implement these solutions in real-world scenarios. By combining cutting-edge nanotechnology with a commitment to environmental sustainability, their research aims to provide advanced solutions for combating antibiotic pollution and ensuring safer, cleaner, and more accessible water resources for future generations.