Recent Advances in the Disinfection of Water Using Nanoscale Antimicrobial Materials

The microbial contamination of water is highlighted as a global problem that threatens human life. Specifically, the lack of clean and safe water has resulted in a high number of deaths annually and thus poses a great challenge to humans. The traditional water purification methods typically consume high amounts of energy, exhibit low disinfection efficiency, and result in the production of toxic by-products. Therefore, the development of methods for efficient water disinfection is of great significance. Nanomaterials have shown promising prospects in water disinfection due to their unique properties. Recent progress in the use of nanomaterials for water disinfection is summarized herein. The recently developed methods for the synthesis of antibacterial nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, nanosized carbide and nitrides, are depicted, and the structures, morphologies, instincts, and performances of the nanomaterials in bactericidal tests are discussed. In addition, the antibacterial mechanisms and the dominant elements influencing the antimicrobial activities of the nanomaterials are reviewed in detail. Although recent years have shown remarkable progress in water disinfection using nanomaterials, the development of disinfection agents with improved nanoeffects and performance, low toxicity, increased cost efficiency, and easier operation remains urgent.