Nanoceram-PAC Water Filter

» Who came up with it? Fred Tepper, Argonide Corp., Sanford

» What is it? This next-generation water filter removes contaminants (such as chlorine, taste and odor) as well as bacteria and viruses. The filter consists of mesh screen made of tiny aluminum fibers that are 40,000 times thinner than a human hair. A fine carbon powder, which has a negative electrical charge, adheres to the screen, which has a positive electrical charge. The filter snags even the most minute contaminants.

»Who uses it? Right now, Argonide’s focus is the industrial market. Companies such as Toyota use the Nanoceram-PAC to remove contaminants in wastewater before putting the water through reverse osmosis filters (which are easily clogged by contaminants) and reusing it in the plant. “There’s a looming crisis in water conservation,” says Tepper.

An electron microscope captured this image. The rock-like pieces are particles of powdered activated carbon that adhere to the screen in the filter and catch contaminants. [Photo: R. Ristau Univ. of Conn]

» Cost: $75 to $150 for industrial use. Residential applications are not yet on the market, but Tepper says filters to purify well water might cost as little as $20.