H20 & Co. has developed carbon nanotube membranes that provide a more cost-efficient way to remove chemicals and infectious agents from water. The membranes are made of single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes that are less than 1 nm in diameter, allowing water to pass through while filtering out over 95% of ions and bacteria/viruses. The membranes provide clean, desalinated water at a lower cost than other filtration methods, with faster filtration rates and a lifespan of 2-3 years. The global market for nanofiltration membranes is growing significantly due to increasing water shortages, regulations, and demand for clean water.
2. Introduction 3.4Billion One third of world’s population has water shortages, and this is expected to double by 2025
3. Introduction (cont.) H₂O & Co. has developed a more cost efficient way to remove chemicals and infectious agents from water.
4. Carbon nanotubes Small rolled sheets of graphite, as strong as steel Lattice pattern Less than one nm Single-walled (SWNT) and multi-walled (MWNT)
5. Membrane Composition Electrochemical etchingerodes metalsand forms a porous layer in the Silicon. Iron oxide is placed on top. It is exposed to C2H4 (ethene) at high temperatures. The tubes grow verticallyand tightly. Exposure timedetermines the length ofthe nanotube. Silicon Nitride is addedbetween gaps to stabilize.
6. How it Works Negativecarboxylicsdraw water through the tube. Ions cannot fit throughthe 1 nm tubes At .93 nm in diameter,95% of ions are filtered out of water Up to 100 times faster
7.
8. How it Works (cont.) Also filters out bacteria and viruses When passed through a nanotube, infectious agents will be trapped and unable to pass through to the other side.
9. Finance SWNTs: $95 per gram MWNTs: $15 per gram Composite: $35 per gram 2-3 year life span Cost 2-7 cents per day in use Average of 2 cents less expensive than other filters $7.30 cheaper per year $25 per membrane (“Water Filtration Comparisons & Reviews” 3)
11. Finance (cont.) Global market for nanofiltration membranes: CAGR 26.1% Water treatment sector: CAGR 27.4% More regulations protecting environment
12. Finance (cont.) Rent Building – $10,000 a month Equipment – $20,000 a month Materials - $3,000 a month Miscellaneous - $1,000 a month Other Accounting - $10,000 Employees (8) - $25,000 every six months Total (6 Months) = $414,000
13. Conclusion Provides clean, desalinated, water. Filters out bacteria and viruses Cheaper price. In demand Faster filtration
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