Synthesis and characterization of a ternary hybrid catalyst (Nb2O5.La2O3.CeO2) supported on graphene to act as a cathode in the removal of endocrine disruptors by advanced oxidative process electrochemical (AOPEs)"

• Grant number: 22/04561-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2023
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
• Principal Investigator: Artur de Jesus Motheo
• Grantee: Thays de Souza Lima
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12895-1 - Advanced processes for the degradation of emerging pollutants: catalytic materials, electroanalytical sensors and scientific dissemination, AP.TEM

Abstract

Many chemicals, natural or synthetic, have the ability to interfere with the hormonal system, these substances are called endocrine disruptors (EDs). These chemicals are linked to developmental, reproductive, brain and immune problems, making these compounds very harmful and dangerous to animals and humans. In this sense, this project aims to develop a viable alternative to treat effluents contaminated by EDs using several advanced electrochemical oxidative processes (AEOPs), which have a good efficiency in the removal of emerging pollutants. This project also aims at the synthesis and characterization with a ternary hybrid electrocatalyst of niobium oxide, lanthanum oxide, and cerium oxide (Nb2O5.La2O3.CeO2) supported on graphene for the manufacture of gas diffusion electrodes (GDE), to act as cathode in the electrogeneration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and as anode the boron-doped diamond electrode (BDD) will be used in anodic oxidation processes, electro-Fenton, Photo electro-Fenton and Solar Foto electro-Fenton simulated (homogeneous and heterogeneous) aiming at the degradation of EDs (imazethapyr, temephos, triazophos), in aqueous medium. In the heterogeneous simulated Solar Photo Electro Fenton process, it is intended to add cerium meso-structures to the solution, innovating in the application of the catalytic effect of cerium. Thus, it is believed that with these studies it is possible to develop a way of removing these compounds in aquatic matrices, in order to minimize their harmful effects on the environment.