IIT Mumbai Develops New Water Purification Material to Tackle Global Water Scarcity
IIT Mumbai Unveils Revolutionary DSLIG Material to Tackle Water Scarcity, Boost Desalination, and Cleanse Industrial Wastewater!
Anshu Kashid | Pune| April 18, 2025 : With the growing global water scarcity crisis, researchers at IIT Mumbai have made a significant breakthrough in water purification.
They have developed an innovative new material capable of desalting saltwater, offering hope for future solutions to the global water shortage. This new material, named Dual-Sided Hydrophobic Laser-Induced Graphene (DSLIG), is designed to enhance water purification processes.
DSLIG exhibits unique hydrophobic properties, similar to the way a lotus leaf repels water. This remarkable material reduces the surface contact between water and droplets, allowing the water to roll off without wetting the surface. As a result, DSLIG significantly reduces water accumulation, making it ideal for both water purification and irrigation purposes.
In addition to its water-repellent abilities, DSLIG also shows promising potential in reducing carbon emissions and eliminating toxins from industrial wastewater.
The material’s efficiency extends to large-scale operations, including afforestation processes and industrial water treatment. Researchers have found that DSLIG performs exceptionally well under both solar and wind energy, making it highly sustainable.
Furthermore, the material’s lotus-like qualities prevent the accumulation of carbon, enhancing its ability to purify even the most contaminated water.
Recent lab tests at IIT Mumbai showed that DSLIG can efficiently purify highly saline and brackish water, making it a viable solution for desalination efforts. The material can also be utilized to purify wastewater from industrial processes.
Swatantra Pratap Singh and Aishwarya CL led this ground-breaking research, proving that stacking multiple evaporators together further boosts the material’s performance.
The research is particularly timely, given the growing challenge of freshwater scarcity worldwide. Desalination of seawater and brackish water is becoming an essential solution to address water shortages.
While researchers continue to explore efficient desalination methods, DSLIG’s potential as a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative could play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges in the near future.
