MAKHACHKALA, May 14 – RIA "Dagestan". Scientists from Dagestan State University have developed an innovative water purification technology featuring "smart" glass filters that destroy bacteria and self-clean under sunlight.
The technology uses atomic layer deposition (ALD) to apply an ultra-thin film—thousands of times thinner than a human hair—composed of titanium and vanadium oxides onto glass surfaces. This nanocoating possesses photocatalytic properties: when exposed to light, it generates reactive oxygen species that break down pathogenic microorganisms and organic pollutants without consuming the filter material itself, enabling repeated reuse.
The work was carried out by an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Makhachkala (DSU and Dagestan State Medical University), Nizhny Novgorod (Lobachevsky University) and Saint Petersburg (Saint Petersburg State University). Unlike traditional filters that accumulate contaminants or require cartridge replacements, DSU development operates on a photocatalysis principle and can be easily integrated into existing water treatment systems due to its use of standard glass bead substrates.
"Our materials work as photocatalysts. When exposed to light, the nanocoating triggers chemical reactions that destroy bacteria and other contaminants. At the same time, the filter material itself is not consumed and can be used repeatedly" project leader Candidate of Chemical Sciences Abay Maksumova noted.
A distinctive feature of the technology is the ability to precisely tune coating properties by adjusting the composition of metal oxides and nanofilm thickness, allowing scientists to create filters effective against specific microbial strains. The team is also developing nanocoatings for ceramic and polymer membranes, as well as for air filters based on fabric and paper materials.
The innovation is particularly relevant for regions with limited access to high-quality drinking water and could form the basis of modern reusable purification systems for both potable and wastewater. The team published their findings in the high-ranking (Q1) Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. The project is being implemented under the Russian Science Foundation's regional competition for fundamental research and is part of DSU's development program as a participant in the strategic academic leadership initiative "Priority-2030".