Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhilai have developed a sustainable polymer technology capable of converting toxic industrial sulphur waste into advanced materials capable of removing hazardous pollutants from water. The technique uses a metal-free, eco-friendly polymerisation process to turn low-value sulphur waste into sulphur dots that form star-shaped polymers.
These polymers self-assemble into nanoscale spheres that act like tiny sponges, selectively absorbing hydrophobic pollutants such as dyes, pesticides and oil residues. The approach upcycles sulphur waste from industries like petroleum refining, coal processing, etc. into catalysts for water pollution control.