A research study published in Journal of Water Chemistry and Technology in 2015 by Mel’nyk et al. examines the ability of activated carbon and C60/C70 fullerenes to disinfect water by killing harmful microorganisms. The study shows that combining fullerenes with activated carbon enhances its bacteria-killing power without affecting its ability to absorb impurities.

In simple terms, activated carbon is a material commonly used to filter water by trapping contaminants. Fullerenes are tiny, soccer-ball-shaped carbon molecules with unique properties. The researchers tested how well activated carbon, alone or modified with fullerenes (either mixed into the carbon or dispersed in water), could kill bacteria in water. They found that adding fullerenes to activated carbon made it much better at stopping bacterial growth, while still maintaining its filtering ability. The study also identified the best way to combine fullerenes with carbon for maximum effectiveness.

This study highlights the potential of fullerene-modified carbon as a powerful tool for water purification. This approach could lead to improved water treatment methods, ensuring safer drinking water by both removing impurities and eliminating harmful microbes.

Link to research study 

• Study of sorption and bactericidal properties of carbon adsorbents and fullerenes