Hydration storage and purification system for adverse environments

Abstract

A water purification storage apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bag with a handle and a body made from an electrospun nanofibre material. The body has a length, a width, and a height in an unfilled condition. The apparatus further includes a fill cap.

Description

HYDRATION STORAGE AND PURIFICATION SYSTEM FOR ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTSPRIORITY DOCUMENT

[0001] The present application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 667,757 titled “HYDRATION STORAGE AND PURIFICATION SYSTEM FOR ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTS” and filed on 7 April 2024, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to water purification and, more specifically, to a sunlight activated water purification storage apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] A substantial portion of the world's population lacks access to safe drinking water. Even in areas where safe drinking water is generally available, there can still be situations where there is no access to safe drinking water, such as in remote locations where there is no access to a municipal water supply. For example, when hiking or camping in remote locations or other adverse environments it can be difficult or impractical to carry enough safe drinking water for the time spent in the location.

[0004] This problem can be addressed, at least in part, by using portable water purifiers that can be used to remove harmful contaminants and impurities from water. Some common water purification methods include UV light, gravity filters, pumps, chemical purification and straw filters. Each type of water purification method has its advantages and disadvantages.

[0005] Despite the availability of a range of water purification methods, there remains a need for improvements in water purification methods and apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition, there is a need for water purification apparatus and methods that provide a useful alternative to known water purification methods and apparatus.SUMMARY

[0006] Disclosed herein is a water purification storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a bag with a handle and a body made from an electrospun nanofibre material. The body has a length, a width, and a height in an unfilled condition. The apparatus further includes a fill cap.

[0007] Also disclosed herein is a method for purifying water in a bag in adverse climates, the bag being made from an electrospun nanofibre material. The method includes receiving water into the bag; positioning the bag on a substantially flat surface exposed to sunlight for a minimum amount of time; and providing water purified of a toxin by virtue of the sunlight causing a chemical reaction with the nanofibre material of the bag.

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 is a front view of a solar bag in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the solar bag of Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the solar bag of Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 4 is a partial cross sectional front view of the solar bag of Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 5 is a partial cross sectional perspective view of the solar bag of Figure 3.

[0016] Figure 6 is a partial cross sectional side view of the solar bag of Figure 4, taken along lines A- A of Figure 4.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of the solar bag of Figures 1 to 3.

[0018] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective external view of the solar bag of Figures 1 to 3.

[0019] Figure 9 is a perspective internal view of the solar bag of Figure 8.

[0020] Figure 10 is a front view of a solar bag in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the solar bag of Figure 10.

[0022] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the solar bag of Figure 10.

[0023] Figure 13 is a front view of the solar bag of Figure 10 showing lines A- A.

[0024] Figure 14 is a partial cross sectional side view of the solar bag of Figure 13, taken along linesA-A of Figure 4.

[0025] Figure 15 is a flow diagram of the solar bag of Figures 10 to 14.

[0026] Figure 16 shows (a) XRD and (b) UV-Vis spectroscopy of GNs / N-dopcd TiCh with different AT loading. FE-SEM images of C iNTN -doped TiCE at a P-25 to AT ratio of c) 1:0.5, d) 1:1, and e) 1:2.

[0027] Figure 17 shows (a-c) FE-SEM images of electrospun polymer fibers with varying dimensions; (d-f) FE-SEM images of porous electrospun polymer fibers with co-axial method, and (g) EDS elemental mapping of electrospun polymer fibers.

[0028] Figure 18 shows UV-Vis spectra of methylene blue dye degradation under static conditions for different fiber diameters: (a) 1 pm, (b) 1.5 pm and (c) 3 pm. UV-Vis spectra of methylene blue dye degradation under dynamic conditions: (d) without C3N5 / N-doped TiCF and (e) with C3N5 / N-doped TiO2. (f) Photographs of reaction solution (e) before and after the dye degradation study (30 minutes).

[0029] Figure 19 shows antibacterial activity of electrospun CN-TiO2 nanofibres against Bacillus subtilis: In the presence of light a) Control fibres (a’ enlarged image of (a) showing bacterial growth indicated by the arrow (b) CN-TiO2 fibres (b’) enlarged image of (b) exhibiting no bacterial growth. In the absence of light (c) Control fibres and (d) CN-TiCE fibres indicating the growth of bacteria.

[0030] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figures 1 to 9 show an embodiment of a drinking container in the form of a solar water bag 100 having a handle 102, body 104, and fill cap 106.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, bag 100 includes a carrying handle 102, body 104, and fill cap 106. Bag 100 is rectangular in shape and can be any suitable dimensions. It will be appreciated of course that the dimensions of the bag 100 determine the volume of water that can be retained in the bag 100 for treatment.

[0034] Handle 102 is positioned at the top of the bag 100 and allows the bag 100 to be carried.

[0035] Fill cap 106 covers inlet 126 which can be opened or closed as per the usage. In use, water to be filtered or cleaned is added to the bag 100 via the inlet 126. Fill cap 106 is secured by a tether which is attached at the bottom of the thread of the cap closing cavity.

[0036] Body 104 is preferably made of an electrospun nanofibre material, further details of which will be discussed later. The optical transmission of the bag 100 is preferably greater than 80% over 365 nm to 390 nm spectral range and greater than 85% over 400 nm to 1,000 nm. For optical degradation resistance, an optical transmission range of great than 80% over 365 nm to 390 nm range after 60 days continuous AM-1 radiation exposure (equivalent to 180 days of continuous solar illumination at sea level on the equator). The bag 100 is preferably configured with a heat seal strength greater than or equal to 14 kg / cm (12 Ib / inch).

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, body 104 includes at least one support structure 110. Support structure 110 effectively divides the bag 100 into two separate compartments, a bigger upper compartment and a lower smaller one, with each one having a purpose as described herein during water treatment. Compartment 1 (referred to herein as stage 1) is at the top and occupies a higher amount of space (70% to 80%) as compared to compartment 2 which lies in the bottom space (20% to 30 %).

[0038] Support structure 110 is configured to direct the flow of water from stage 1 nanofibre material 108 to stage 2 nanofibre material 120. Solid support structure 110 is also preferably configured to direct the flow of water from the stage 2 nanofibre material 120 to the reservoir 122 which is located adjacent a base of the bag 100. Support structure 110 may include an indicator 112 if desired to identify when water is safe for consumption.

[0039] Stage 1 comprises a nanofibre type material which functions via photocatalytic adsorption and degradation of the pollutants and microbes such as dyes and gram-positive bacteria which are a common occurrence in contaminated water.

[0040] After the treatment in stage 1 , the water flows down into stage 2 which comprises a porous solid cartridge made up of a high surface area carbon and zeolite mixture which will filter out heavy metals.

[0041] It will be appreciated that stage 1 and stage 2 operate consecutively to remove a range of contaminants from water. The filtered or cleaned water is then carried out from an opening 128 which has a drink cap 114 in the illustrated embodiments but could have, for example, an on and off tap.

[0042] With continued reference to Figures 4 to 6, a carbon filter insert 124 (Figure 6) may be utilised on the inlet 126 to the bag 100. Fill cap 106 may be attached to the bag 100. Drink cap 114 may be made as a soft drink cap, optionally available in multiple colours for identification or ownership of the bag 100. If desired, straps (not shown) can be utilised to turn the bag 100 into a backpack. The bag 100 may include a QR code (not shown) on its surface with a link to an instructional video. A capacity of a preferred bag 100 is around 3 litres, although other volumes, such as 1 litre, 2 litres, 4 litres and 5 litres are also contemplated. Selection of the capacity of the bag 100 may depend on the intended end use. For example, for personal use and for ease of carrying a 1 litre, 2 litre or 3 litre bag 100 may be the most appropriate. For household use, the bag 100 may have a capacity of about 20 litres. For communal or village use, the bag 100 may have a capacity of about 200 litres.

[0043] Having described the preferred components of the bag 100, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Figure 7. Water is filled through inlet 126. Water flows through the stage 1 nanofibre material 108, moving around support structures 110 inside bag 100 to direct flow of the water from stage 1 nanofibre material 108 to stage 2 nanofibre material 120 in the form of a cylinder, and into the base of bag 100 where it is stored for drinking (in reservoir section 122 of bag 100). The bag 100 and its contents are exposed to sunlight, preferably for at least an hour. The nanofibre material of bag 100 interacts with toxins in the water, effectively nullifying the toxins. The water contents is then within safe drinking water standards.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or some steps omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figures 8 and 9 show a method of assembling the bag 100 and its components. Bag 100 is supplied with fill cap support 130 and the drink cap support 132. The bag 100 is sealed at the top, bottom and on one side. Stage 1 nanofibre material 108 and stage 2 nanofibre material 120 are inserted into the bag 100. Indicator 112 is inserted into bag 100. The remaining open side of the bag 100 is sealed. Carry handle 102 and backpack strap supports are fitted in position. The carbon filter insert 124 is inserted (half turn screw) into the fill cap support 130. Fill cap 106 and drink cap 114 are then fitted onto bag 100.

[0046] Figures 10 to 14 show another embodiment of a drinking container in the form of a solar water bag 100 having a handle 102, body 104, and fill cap 106. The embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 14 is similar in structure, use and assembly to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9 except that the fill cap 106, carbon fibre insert 124 and inlet 126 to the bag 100 are positioned on an upper or top surface of the bag 100. This increases the effective usable internal volume of the bag 100 and also allows easier gravity feeding of water to be treated. The bag 100 shown in Figures 10 to 14 is rectangular in shape and the fill cap 106 and handle 102 are positioned at the top of the shorter arm of the rectangle.

[0047] Preferred dimensions are indicated in the Figures, although it will be appreciated that the dimensions may be varied as suitable for the intended application.

[0048] The nanofibre type material of stage 1 108 comprises a photocatalytic material which is the main material contained in the upper part of the bag 100 or stage 1 component of the bag. An exemplary photocatalytic material is C3N5 / N -doped titanium dioxide (TiCE), details of which are provided below. Other photocatalytic materials that could be used include other TiO: based materials, bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and BiVO4 based materials, and other semiconductor materials. Other examples of photocatalytic materials are described in Ren et al. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2021 Jul 12; 11(7):1804, the details of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0049] The C3N5 / N -doped TiO: photocatalytic material is composed of a mixture of carbon nitride(C3N5) and nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (TiOz). The synthesis of C3N5 / N -doped TiO? was carried out by using P-25 (Ti02 precursor in anatase and rutile phases) and 3-amino-l,2,4-triazole (AT) (carbon nitride precursors) as the starting materials. Solid-state mixing in a mortar and pestle was employed to achieve a uniform mixture of P-25 and AT in different molar ratios (1:X where X denotes the molar concentration of the AT which is in the range of 0.1 to 4). The resulting mixture was transferred to a muffle furnace and annealed under an inert atmosphere for 1 hour to 4 hours at 500 °C achieved using a heating rate of 3 °C / min to 5 °C / min. Finally, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool naturally to room temperature, yielding C3N5 / N -doped TiO:.

[0050] Characterization of photocatalyst ( CjNs / N-doped TiOf)

[0051] The synthesised C3N5 / N -doped TiO: was characterized using Field Emission Scanning ElectronMicroscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis spectroscopy (Figures 16 a and b). The sample synthesized with AT (Figure 16a) exhibited a peak shift towards a higher 20 value corresponding to the (101) plane (20 = 25.2°), confirming successful N doping in TiO:. As the AT concentration increased, the UV-Vis spectra (Figure 16b) showed a red shift, indicating enhanced absorbance in the visible light spectrum — an essential feature for maximizing sunlight absorption in photocatalytic pollutant degradation. The morphological analysis conducted using FE-SEM imaging revealed that at lower ATconcentrations, the C3N5 / N -doped Ti O2 exhibited a rough texture (Figure 16c-d). In contrast, at higher AT concentrations the N-doped TiCF appeared to be completely covered with carbon nitride sheets (Figure 16e).

[0052] Synthesis of photocatalytic fibres for the stage 1 compartment

[0053] C3N5 / N-doped T i O2 was utilized as the base material to prepare ready-to-use fibre-type material for the stage 1 compartment. For this purpose, a polymer or a combination of polymers has to be utilized in conjunction with C3N5 / N-doped T i O2 and spun out into fibres using the electrospinning machine. An optimized composition of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) (1.8 g), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (0.9 g), CaCL 2H2O (0.188 g), and CsNs / N-doped TiCF (0.81 g) was ball-milled for 5 to 99 minutes to obtain a uniform mixture. The precursor materials were accurately weighed and thoroughly mixed to achieve a homogeneous composition. Zirconia balls with a diameter of 5 mm were used as the milling media. The total weight of the balls was maintained at five times the weight of the mixture to ensure effective grinding. The resulting mixture was then dissolved in a mixture of 15 mL N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and 5 mL N,N Dimethylacetamide (DMA) and stirred for 24 hours to obtain a consistent homogeneous solution. The obtained solution was loaded into an electrospinning machine to produce the desired polymer fiber membrane. The size, texture, and thickness of the fibers were further optimized by carefully controlling the distance (80 mm to 120 mm), potential difference (18 kV to 24.5 kV), polymer injection flow rate (1.5 mL / h to 7 mL / h), and rotation speed of the collecting drum (100 rpm to 500 rpm). To introduce porosity, a coaxial technique was employed in which an additional syringe containing immersion oil (viscosity: 1.250 and 150 cSt) was injected along with the polymer mixture.

[0054] Characterization of photocatalytic fibres for the stage 1 compartment

[0055] The characterization was done to analyze morphology and elemental composition by using FE- SEM and EDS analysis (Figure 17). By precisely controlling the distance between the ejector and the collector (80 mm, 100 mm, and 120 mm) at an optimized potential of 24.5 kV and a polymer injection flow rate of 3.5 mL / h, we successfully synthesized polymers with diameters of 3 pm, 1.5 pm, and 1 pm, respectively (Figure 17a-c). The FE-SEM images of the polymer filter synthesized using the coaxial technique reveal porous fibers with a tubular structure, are shown in Figure 17d-f. The EDS elemental analysis (Figure 17g) confirms the uniform distribution of C, N, Ti, and O on the exposed surface of the filter membrane.

[0056] Testing dye degradation capabilities of photocatalytic fibres for the stage 1 compartment

[0057] An optimized ratio of fibers with dimensions of 3 x 3 cm2was used as a catalyst for the dye degradation study. The membrane was immersed in 30 mL of 1 ppm dye solution (Methylene Blue orMethyl Orange). The degradation studies were conducted under a solar simulator equipped with AM 1.5 filter, with the intensity calibrated to 1 sun. Samples of 1 mF were collected at regular intervals and analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy to evaluate photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation.

[0058] The degradation efficiency was calculated using the formula,Efficiency (%) = (1 - At / Ao) x 100 where Ao and Atrepresent the absorbance of light before and after irradiation, respectively.

[0059] Methylene blue dye degradation

[0060] UV-Vis spectroscopy of different polymer fibers under various reaction conditions is presented in Figure 18. Photocatalytic methylene blue dye degradation studies were conducted under static conditions to evaluate the effect of polymer fiber dimensions. Fibers with diameters of 1 pm, 1.5 pm, and 3 pm achieved dye degradation efficiencies of 87.8%, 80.9%, and 80.9%, respectively (Figure 18a-c), highlighting the superior performance of the 1 pm diameter fibers. To further investigate the impact of the photocatalyst on dye degradation, identical experiments were conducted under dynamic conditions using fibers with (Figure 18e) and without (Figure 18d) C3N5 / N-doped TiO under dynamic conditions. The fibers without the catalyst exhibited minimal photodegradation of 32.3% in 30 minutes, whereas catalyst-loaded fibers achieved near-complete degradation (99.5%), demonstrating the exceptional efficiency of the newly developed photocataytic fibres. A visual representation of the reaction medium before and after the measurement is shown in Figure 18f, illustrating the successful degradation of methylene blue into carbon dioxide and water.

[0061] Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of electrospun CN-TiC fibres (stage 1 component of the solar water bag)

[0062] The antibacterial activity of electrospun CN-TiCF fibres was assessed against gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, using the Agar plate method.

[0063] Bacillus subtilis is a well-studied, rod-shaped, gram-positive bacterium that is widely used as a model organism for investigating bacterial physiology, genetics, and stress responses. One of its defining characteristics is its ability to form highly resistant endospores, which enable it to survive under extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, UV radiation, and desiccation. This spore-forming capability allows B. subtilis to persist in harsh environments, making it an ideal candidate for testing antimicrobial strategies.

[0064] Protocol

[0065] The agar plate method was employed, where bacteria were added to electrospun fibres placed in a petri dish. After incubation, Luria-Bertani (LB) agar was added and allowed to solidify. The plates were then incubated overnight at 37 °C to evaluate bacterial growth. Bacillus subtilis was cultured overnight in LB broth at 37 °C with shaking at 160 rpm, and subcultured until it reached an optical density (OD) of 0.1 at 600 nm. Further, the culture was diluted to reach an OD of 0.05 in 0.1X PBS (phosphate buffered saline) and centrifuged at 4500 rpm for 7 minutes. The supernatant was discarded, and the pellet was resuspended in 0.1X PBS. Electrospun CN-TiO fibres were cut into 3.0 x 3.0 cm squares and placed into sterile petri dishes. One mL of prepared bacterial culture was added on top of the filters to spread evenly and exposed to a 300 W xenon lamp for 90 minutes. The fibre made from only polymer was used as the control. Also, experiments were carried out in dark conditions (without light). After incubation, LB agar was poured on top of the filters respectively and allowed to solidify, incubated overnight at 37 °C.Bacterial growth was assessed by comparing colony formation in the presence and absence of light.

[0066] Results

[0067] The results indicated a significant decrease in bacterial growth on electrospun CN-TiCL fibres exposed to light (Figure 19b, b’) compared to control fibres (Figure 19 a, a’) and without light conditions (Figure 19 c, d). This indicates that Electrospun CN-TiCL fibres effectively killed bacteria under light exposure, due to its photocatalytic properties generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that disrupt bacterial cells.

[0068] Stage 2 comprises an adsorbent that is capable of adsorbing or otherwise sequestering heavy metals from contaminated water. Any material that is capable of adsorbing one or more heavy metals can be used, such as carbon, zeolite, etc.

[0069] Heavy metals are on the list of hazardous environmental pollutants due to their toxic nature and ability to accumulate in organisms and remain in the environment for a long period. Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, zinc, nickel, and copper, are frequently reported in human tissue due to exposure pathways such as contaminated food and water consumption, polluted air inhalation, and direct contact with contaminated substances. Long-term exposure to heavy metals results in serious health problems, such as neurological disorders, kidney damage, cardiovascular problems, and developmental delays. Porous materials, including activated carbons, zeolites, and clays, are suitable for the adsorption and degradation of the heavy metals found in water sources. A combination of high surface area carbon and US-Y zeolite was selected to function as the water-cleaning material for the stage 2 component of the bag. The details of the materials manufacturing and application testing are provided below.

[0070] Manufacture / synthesis of high surface area porous carbon

[0071] The high surface area of porous carbon was derived from wood chips collected from a commercial store. The wood chips were processed into a fine powder by using a grinder and sieving mechanism. The fine powder was carbonized at 600 °C using a ramping rate of 5 °C min1and 2 hour holding time. The obtained black powder (biochar) was then chemically activated with potassium hydroxide (KOH). 1 g of the biochar was mixed with 6 g of KOH in a mortar and pestle assembly and ground together for a few minutes to ensure complete mixing. The mixture was carbonized at 800 °C using a ramping rate of 5 °C min1and 2 hour holding time. The obtained carbon was washed with 2M HC1 and water and dried at 100 °C overnight.

[0072] US-Y zeolite: US-Y zeolite was bought from a commercial vendor (TOSOH Corporation), and it was made into a pellet form.

[0073] Hybrid with high surface area carbon and US-Y zeolite: US-Y zeolite was mixed with the high surface area carbon into a hybrid pellet form

[0074] Pellet preparation

[0075] High surface area porous carbon and zeolite pellets were prepared separately, each with a specific weight ratio of PVDF binder: 20% for porous carbon and 15% for Zeolite. Porous carbon -zeolite composite pellets were synthesised with different weight ratios of zeolites and porous carbon and (1:0.5 to 1 :5) with 1 % to 20% of PVDF binder concentration. The pellets were pre-treated by breaking them into smaller pieces and sieving them through a 0.5 mm mesh.

[0076] Adsorption experimental setup

[0077] Adsorption experiments were performed using 50 mg of each pre-treated pellet mixed with 25 ml of metal ion solution in 50 ml centrifuge tubes. Five separate metal ion solutions were prepared from stock solutions for the adsorption study. The metal ion concentrations were 100 ppb for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni, and 3000 ppb for Zn. The mixtures were agitated at 200 RPM under controlled conditions. For each adsorbent, three batches were prepared to evaluate adsorption at 3-hour, 6-hour, and 24-hour intervals. Adsorption was studied at room temperature with consistent agitation speed (200 RPM) and controlled solution volume-to-adsorbent weight ratio (25 ml to 50 mg).

[0078] Measurements and Analysis

[0079] After the shaking period, the suspensions were filtered using 0.22 pm membrane syringe filters. The filtered solutions were analysed for metal ion concentrations using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).

[0080] Adsorption efficiency of porous carbon-zeolite pellets

[0081] The data highlights the adsorption efficiencies of porous carbon, zeolite, and hybrid pellets for removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions (Table 1). Zeolite pellets proved to be highly effective for adsorbing cadmium (Cd), with 94% removal in 3 hours, 98% in 6 hours, and nearly 100% in 24 hours. When combined with porous carbon, the adsorption of Cd was close to 100% within 3 hours, indicating the effectiveness of the mixed adsorbent. Zeolite also excelled in adsorbing lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn), achieving 100% adsorption of Pb within 3 hours and Zn within 24 hours. However, zeolite showed negligible adsorption for chromium (Cr). Porous carbon, on the other hand, demonstrated its strength as an adsorbent for Cr, with over 95% removal in 3 hours, making it a promising candidate for chromium removal. Despite being less effective for Zn compared to zeolite, porous carbon contributed significantly to the efficiency of the mixed adsorbent.

[0082] Overall, the findings suggest that zeolite is the most promising adsorbent for cadmium, nickel, lead, and zinc due to its higher adsorption capacities, while porous carbon is ideal for removing chromium. The combination of zeolite and porous carbon enhances the adsorption process, achieving nearly 100% efficiency for Cd within a short time frame. These results indicate that porous carbon and zeolite, in combination, is a viable material for the commercial removal of heavy metals from water. This approach offers a practical and efficient solution for addressing heavy metal contamination in environmental applications.

[0083] Table 1 - The adsorption % of different adsorbents at three different time points

[0084] Adsorption trials with different weights of adsorbents and different heavy metal concentrations

[0085] In this trial, hybrid composite pellets comprising 150 mg of porous carbon and 350 mg of zeolite (CZ) were synthesized using a PVDF binder with 20% concentration. The synthesized pellets were divided into varying weights of 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg, and tested in 25 ml of metal ion solutions for a period ranging from 0.5 hours to 3 hours to evaluate their adsorption efficiency. The concentration of metal ions was determined according to the threshold guideline values, which vary depending on the specific metal and the regulations of different countries. The adsorption efficiency is analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), to determine the optimum weight of the adsorbent required to achieve maximum adsorption within the shortest possible time.

[0086] The hybrid composite of porous carbon and zeolite demonstrates exceptional efficiency in heavy metal adsorption, making it suitable for filtration applications. In trials with different pellet weights, 50 mg of the material was able to adsorb heavy metals effectively within just 30 minutes, highlighting its rapid performance and suitability for commercial use. When tested with smaller pellets weighing 25 mg, the adsorption process was slightly slower, requiring additional time to achieve comparable efficiency. Meanwhile, pellets with a higher weight, such as 75 mg and 100 mg, showed enhanced adsorption rates due to their increased material density, allowing for more extensive removal of heavy metals in the same timeframe.

[0087] These findings suggest that while 50 mg of the hybrid material strikes an excellent balance between efficiency and practicality for time-sensitive applications, smaller or larger pellet weights can beconsidered depending on the specific requirements of adsorption processes. The versatility and efficacy of porous carbon and zeolite hybrids make them a promising solution for widespread commercial application in heavy metal removal.

[0088] Table 2 - Cadmium adsorption efficiency of porous carbon +Zeolite hybrid pellets with different weight of adsorbents and different heavy metals

[0089] Cd concentration is 9.7ppb and adsorption efficiency (expressed in %).

[0090] Table 3 - Lead adsorption efficiency of porous carbon +Zeolite hybrid pellets with different weight of adsorbents and different heavy metals

[0091] Pb concentration is 21 ppb and adsorption efficiency (expressed in %).

[0092] Table 4 - Nickel adsorption efficiency of porous carbon +Zeolite hybrid pellets with different weight of adsorbents and different heavy metals

[0093] Ni concentration is 47 ppb and adsorption efficiency (expressed in %).

[0094] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example only, the bag is preferably transparent to facilitate interaction with solar radiation. However, the bag material may be at least partially opaque if desired. Placement and configuration of the pour aperture and drinking aperture may be positioned differently to what is illustrated. A drinking straw or tube may be included if desired.

[0095] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0096] The present disclosure in a preferred form provides the advantages of providing a transportable, safe drinking system, which is particularly beneficial in areas where safe drinking water is not readily available. The availability of safe drinking water in such a portable manner can substantially decrease instances of disease, minimise detrimental health factors that often appear in areas where safe drinking water is uncommon.

[0097] Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of forms of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

[0098] The claims as filed and attached with this specification are hereby incorporated by reference into the text of the present description.

[0099] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0100] It will be understood that reference herein to “preferred” or “preferably” is intended as exemplary only.

[0101] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0102] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and / or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, thesemultiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0103] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and / or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A water purification and storage apparatus, comprising: a bag including: a handle; a body made from an electrospun nanofibre material, said body having a length, a width, and a height in an unfilled condition, said body having a length larger than the width, said body being substantially flat in the unfilled condition; and a fill cap.

2. The water purification and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical transmission of the bag is greater than 80% over 365 nm to 390 nm spectral range.

3. The water purification and storage apparatus of claim 2, wherein the optical transmission range is greater than 80% over 365 nm to 390 nm range after 60 days continuous AM-1 radiation exposure.

4. The water purification and storage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical transmission of the bag is greater than 85% over 400 nm to 1,000 nm.

5. The water purification and storage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bag is configured with a heat seal strength greater than or equal to 14 kg / cm.

6. The water purification and storage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one support structure which divides the bag into two separate compartments.

7. The water purification and storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one support structure divides the bag into a stage 1 compartment and stage 2 compartment and the stage 1 compartment is bigger than the stage 2 compartment.

8. The water purification and storage apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one support structure is configured to direct the flow of water from the stage 1 compartment to the stage 2 compartment.

9. The water purification and storage apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the stage 1 compartment comprises a photocatalytic nanofibre material capable of photocatalytic adsorption and degradation of pollutants and microbes which are common in contaminated water.

10. The water purification and storage apparatus of claim 9, wherein the photocatalytic nanofibre material comprises C3N5 / N -doped TiCL.

11. The water purification and storage apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the photocatalytic nanofibre material is electrospun.

12. The water purification and storage apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the stage 2 compartment comprises a porous solid cartridge.

13. The water purification and storage apparatus of claim 12, wherein the porous solid cartridge comprises high surface area carbon and zeolite.

14. The water purification and storage apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a carbon filter insert on a water inlet to the bag.

15. A method for purifying water in a bag in adverse climates, the bag being made from a nanofibre material, comprising: receiving water into the bag; positioning the bag on a substantially flat surface exposed to sunlight for a minimum amount of time; and providing water purified of a toxin by virtue of the sunlight causing a chemical reaction with the nanofibre material of the bag.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the minimum amount of time is one hour.

17. The method of any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the toxin is arsenic.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the nanofibre material is an electrospun nanofibre material.

Images