EU-funded researchers developed the next generation of water purification systems by building on carbon's natural ability to remove contaminants from water and benefits gleaned from nanotechnology.
Granulated activated carbon (GAC) is the material found in common home water filters, which enables them to remove contaminants. Two factors are important in causing substances in water to stick to GAC in a process called adsorption; these are a large surface area and charge (when activated).
Further details: Cleaner water through nanotechnology