Microscopic view of nanocomposite cleaning water

Can Nanotechnology Clean Up Bisphenol A (BPA) Pollution?

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Beau Callahan in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A breakthrough nanocomposite offers a sustainable solution to degrade BPA, a common endocrine disruptor, using sunlight."


In an era marked by increasing industrialization and environmental concerns, the presence of pollutants like organic dyes, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) poses a significant threat to both wildlife and human health. Bisphenol A (BPA), a particularly potent EDC, has garnered attention due to its potential to induce endocrine disorders, hereditary diseases, and even cancer. Used extensively in the manufacturing of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, BPA's widespread application has led to its ubiquitous presence in aquatic environments.

Traditional methods for removing BPA from water sources often fall short, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions. Researchers have been exploring advanced oxidation processes, with photocatalysis emerging as a promising contender. This technique utilizes photocatalysts to accelerate the degradation of pollutants under light exposure, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules introduces a novel nanocomposite material capable of efficiently degrading BPA in aqueous solutions under visible light. This groundbreaking research explores the fabrication and application of a nitrogen/sulfur (N/S) co-doped carbon material embedded with zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles. This has the potential to revolutionize BPA removal and water treatment processes.

The Science Behind the Nanocomposite: How Does it Work?

Microscopic view of nanocomposite cleaning water

The innovative nanocomposite, dubbed ZnS/NSDC, owes its effectiveness to a unique combination of materials and properties. Scientists successfully fabricated it by incorporating nitrogen and sulfur-doped porous carbon with ZnS nanoparticles, creating a synergistic effect that enhances photocatalytic activity. The material's porous structure provides a large surface area, promoting better interaction with BPA molecules and facilitating the degradation process.

Here are the key components and their roles:

  • Nitrogen and Sulfur-Doped Porous Carbon: This carbon matrix enhances the material's electrical conductivity, facilitating the transfer of electrons generated during light exposure. The doping with nitrogen and sulfur further improves its catalytic activity.
  • Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) Nanoparticles: ZnS acts as a semiconductor photocatalyst, absorbing light energy and generating electron-hole pairs that drive the degradation of BPA.
  • Visible Light Activation: The nanocomposite is designed to work efficiently under visible light, making it suitable for solar-powered applications and reducing the need for UV radiation.
  • High Porosity: A high surface area (642.24 m²/g) ensures a greater number of active sites for BPA molecules to interact with the catalyst.
To confirm the nanocomposite's structure and properties, researchers employed a range of advanced analytical techniques: FT-IR Spectroscopy: Identified functional groups and chemical bonds within the material. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD): Determined the crystalline structure of the ZnS nanoparticles. Raman Spectroscopy: Analyzed the vibrational modes of the carbon matrix. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Provided high-resolution images of the material's morphology and structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS): Measured chemical composition.

A Promising Step Towards Cleaner Water

The development of this ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite represents a significant advancement in the field of photocatalytic degradation of BPA. By harnessing the power of sunlight and utilizing a unique combination of materials, this technology offers a sustainable and efficient solution for addressing BPA pollution in water sources. While further research and optimization are necessary, the potential for large-scale application and environmental impact is substantial.

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What makes Bisphenol A (BPA) a concerning pollutant?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a concerning pollutant because it is an endocrine-disrupting compound (EDC). BPA's widespread use in manufacturing leads to its presence in aquatic environments, posing a threat to wildlife and human health. Traditional removal methods are not effective, so more innovative solutions are needed.

2

How does the ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite work to remove BPA from water?

The ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite works by using a synergistic effect between nitrogen and sulfur-doped porous carbon and zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles. The porous structure of the nanocomposite increases its surface area, allowing for better interaction with BPA molecules. The ZnS nanoparticles act as a semiconductor photocatalyst, absorbing light energy and generating electron-hole pairs that break down the BPA. The nitrogen and sulfur-doped carbon matrix enhances electrical conductivity, facilitating electron transfer during light exposure.

3

What role does visible light play in the BPA degradation process using the nanocomposite?

The ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite is designed to work efficiently under visible light, making it suitable for solar-powered applications. This reduces the need for UV radiation, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to BPA degradation. When the ZnS nanoparticles in the nanocomposite absorb visible light, they generate electron-hole pairs that drive the degradation of BPA molecules.

4

What analytical techniques were used to confirm the structure and properties of the ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite, and what did they reveal?

Researchers used several advanced analytical techniques to confirm the structure and properties of the ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite. FT-IR Spectroscopy identified functional groups and chemical bonds, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) determined the crystalline structure of the ZnS nanoparticles, Raman Spectroscopy analyzed vibrational modes of the carbon matrix, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) provided high-resolution images of the material's morphology and structure, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measured chemical composition. These techniques collectively validated the successful fabrication of the nanocomposite and its unique properties.

5

What are the broader implications of using a ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite for BPA removal, and what further research is needed?

Using a ZnS/NSDC nanocomposite for BPA removal has significant implications for sustainable water treatment and environmental remediation. It offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Further research is needed to optimize the nanocomposite's performance, assess its long-term stability, and evaluate its potential impact on a larger scale. The development represents a move toward addressing pollution challenges through nanotechnology.

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