HONG KONG, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A research team led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has developed a novel catalytic membrane that can substantially boost the efficiency of cleaning wastewater using a modified advanced oxidation process (AOP). The invention contributes to the effort of tackling environmental pollution problems by offering a safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for wastewater treatment.
The research findings have been published in the international academic journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Novel technology targeting phenolic pollutants
Water pollution is a pressing environmental issue. Phenolic compounds are a major group of pollutants that pose a significant threat to the world's potable water supply. They are widely present in industrial effluents, agricultural runoff and municipal wastewater. They can persist in the environment for long periods, accumulate in living organisms and pose significant risks to human health and water quality. Traditional methods for removing phenolic pollutants often require hazardous chemicals or energy-intensive processes.
AOPs have been increasingly recognised and developed over the past few decades to remove pollutants from water. They are a set of chemical treatment methods which activate oxidants into reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can be used to break down pollutants in wastewater. Among these ROS, singlet oxygen (1O2) is particularly effective in targeting phenolic compounds.
More efficient in generating ROS
However, existing methods to generate ROS usually require strong oxidants and energy inputs as catalysts, which can be costly and environmentally unfriendly. Moreover, traditional AOP systems face two significant challenges: the inefficient transfer of molecular oxygen (O2) in water due to its low solubility, and the difficulty in getting pollutants to interact with the catalyst surface due to the surrounding water film as a barrier.
In response to these issues, a research team led by Professor Zhao Jun, Associate Professor of the Department of Biology at HKBU, has developed a novel catalytic membrane named "NGCF-OV". It is made from a composite material that combines two advanced materials, N-doped reduced graphene oxide and cobalt ferrite. This membrane offers a promising solution for AOP and addresses the challenge of efficiently activating molecular oxygen to become 1O2.
Proven efficacy in degrading bisphenol A
The NGCF-OV membrane contains unique sites (asymmetric Co-OV-Fe sites) that can adjust the bond length of O2, i.e., the distance between the centres of the two oxygen atoms that are bonded together, and thus facilitate faster and more efficient electron transfer. As a result, 1O2 can be produced without the need for other catalytic agents and external energy inputs. Additionally, the membrane also features graphitic nitrogen sites that trap pollutants close to the membrane's surface. The distance between the pollutants and the 1O2 molecules generated is therefore significantly reduced, overcoming the water film barrier issue with reaction efficiency greatly improved.
The NGCF-OV membrane demonstrated superior efficiency in generating and utilising 1O2 for pollutant degradation. Test results show that this novel technology can completely degrade bisphenol A, a common and harmful pollutant, in just 86 milliseconds (one thousandth of a second), outperforming many existing cleanup methods.
More sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment
Professor Zhao said: "This research marks a significant advancement in the field of water treatment and represents a promising strategy for addressing environmental pollution. By effectively integrating the processes of O2 activation and pollutant degradation within a single membrane, this technology offers a more sustainable and efficient approach to treating contaminated water.
"The ability to generate reactive oxygen species without external energy inputs makes this membrane particularly suitable for emergency pollution remediation and everyday water treatment applications," he added.
Application of the NGCF-OV membrane is not limited to the degradation of a specific pollutant like bisphenol A. Instead, its catalytic properties can be harnessed for the degradation of a variety of organic pollutants in wastewater, such as antibiotics, pesticides, dyes, etc. It paves the way for more advanced practical pollution remediation technologies and contributes to the broader goal of protecting public health and preserving the environment.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
HKBU develops new catalytic membrane that boosts efficiency of cleaning wastewater using oxygen
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Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
