Micro/nanostructured materials for mitigation of legacy and emerging contaminants in waters and wastewaters

• Grant number: 24/02535-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Grégoire Jean-François Demets
• Grantee: Grégoire Jean-François Demets
• Principal researcher abroad: DIMITRA LAMBROPOULOU
• Institution abroad: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/12204-3 - Development of micro / nanostructured carbon filtering elements and gauging by chromatographic methods and mass spectrometry for drinking water production, AP.PITE

Abstract

This research grant proposes a new cooperation between Prof DL (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) & Jose Mauricio Rosolen (University of São Paulo). In the present proposal micro/nanostructure CNT & GO derived nanocomposite materials will be exploited aiming at the mitigation of emerging contaminants (i.e analgesics, antibiotics etc) and AZO dyes. In particular, the ultimate goal of the proposed research is to develop novel materials for removal of micropollutants (ECs & Azo dyes) in waters and wastewaters. The project is divided into two phases: (i) the first phase is the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel absorbent materials with remarkable properties for the removal of micropollutants, and (ii) the second phase will focus on removal approaches of micropollutants by using Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) with novel photocatalysts based on micro/nanostructure CNT & GO materials and semiconductor nanoparticles. Sorbent and photocatalytic materials will be synthesized and the respective adsorption/selectivity or photocatalytic experiments will be carried out for specific targets/pollutants (after suitable modifications). Characterization of all structural properties of the materials using a series of techniques as SEM FTIR, etc will be performed. Transformation products (TPs) formed during the degradation experiments will identified by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Techniques. Thereby, the present proposal is an opportunity for a synergetic interaction between two Higher Education Institutions to exchange skills ranging from the development of micro/nanomaterials for water purification and the analytical analysis of micropollutants such as ECs (i.e analgesics, antibiotics, etc) and AZO dyes. (AU)