Atomic Layer Deposition is an extremely flexible process allowing for the deposition of photocatalytic materials on a variety of substrates. One advantage of the technique is the ability to form active photocatalytic layers using much lower temperatures than those used in other deposition techniques. This has been exploited by the researchers at CNR to deposit zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalytic layers on polymeric substrates. These layers have an excellent adhesion coupled with high photocatalytic activities. This approach allows for the production of hybrid materials which harness the photocatalytic activity of ZnO whilst keeping costs low for large scale manufacturing. The CNR team has deposited ZnO layers on the polymer Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) better know by its trade name Perspex®. The low cost, high chemical stability and excellent mechanical properties of PMMA make this choice of substrate attractive for future commercial use.

Research on the photocatalytic activity of the materials highlights the potential of these hybrid materials for the treatment of greywater. This was demonstrated at the laboratory scale and has not yet been exploited for use in real life applications. The next stage of the MicroWatTS project aims to change this and study the activity of these materials in prototype units for the reclamation of greywater. For this study, bespoke greywater reactors have been designed and produced by Econetique. The installation of these units was however hindered by the current pandemic. The travel restrictions rendered it difficult for the team from Econetique to carry out the installation of the greywater treatment units in person. The close collaboration between Plastica Alfa and Econetique helped overcome this difficulty and the units were installed on the 25th January 2021. The units were modified by Econetique in order to make installation easier by reducing the number of steps required to complete assembly. All parts were duly labelled and the installers provided with detailed schematics. Dr Luciano Falqui and the other members of the Plastica Alfa team were assisted remotely by Ing. Ryan Xuereb from Econetique. The units are now fully functional and preliminary testing is well underway.

Arrival of Prototype Units at UniCT

Installation of Units

Units Connected and Ready for Testing of Polymeric Based Materials