Osorb: Absorbent Nanomaterial Cleans up Toxic Water

Chemist Paul Edmiston discovered Osorb, a glass nanomaterial that absorbs oil and contaminants from water, while researching explosive detection. Supported by the National Science Foundation, Edmiston and his team at ABS Materials are developing water remediation technologies using Osorb. The material is manufactured by combining glass molecules, water, and a catalyst, forming nanoparticles that harden and swell upon contact with contaminants. Osorb is effective in cleaning water contaminated by industrial processes, including oil drilling and electronics manufacturing. It is produced in reactor tubes with specific recipes to target different pollutants.

In what ways can Osorb be utilized beyond cleaning up oil spills?

What challenges does society face regarding water contaminated by industrial processes?