Scientists at Dagestan State University have engineered a photocatalytic nanocoating for water purification. Under the leadership of Abay Maksimova, the team used atomic layer deposition to apply an antibacterial coating of titanium and vanadium oxides—mere nanometers thick—onto glass beads.

This coating acts as a catalyst, using light to break down bacteria and pollutants without being consumed, enabling reuse. The technology is highly adaptable; by tuning the coating's properties, filters can be customized to target specific microorganisms.

The development holds particular relevance for creating modern, reusable water purification systems in underserved regions. Future work includes developing coated membranes for water and air filters, as well as designing a highly efficient, solar-powered photocatalytic reactor. The research, supported by the Russian Science Foundation, will be submitted for publication in prominent international journals.