Molecular simulations show how plant-based materials capture water pollutants

An illustration showing a lead ion surrounded by pills

Source: © Wanda Andreoni/EPFL

Ion adsorption mechanism revealed by using simulations at the molecular level for the first time in this field

Scientists in France and Switzerland have performed molecular dynamics simulations to understand why some natural materials are able to remove heavy metal ions from contaminated water. By unravelling these microscopic mechanisms, the team hope to yield insights that others can use when designing water purification systems.