Stanford University scientists and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have invented a low-cost, recyclable powder that kills thousands of waterborne bacteria per second when exposed to ordinary sunlight.

The discovery of this ultrafast disinfectant could be a significant advance for nearly 30% of the world’s population without access to safe drinking water, according to the Stanford and SLAC team. Results were published in a May 18, 2023, study in Nature Water.

The new disinfectant is a harmless metallic powder that absorbs both UV and high-energy visible light from the sun. The powder consists of nano-sized flakes of aluminum oxide, molybdenum sulfide, copper, and iron oxide.