Porous materials based on polysaccharides for the treatment of metal-contaminated water

• Grant number: 23/07447-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Elisabete Frollini
• Grantee: Giani de Vargas Brião
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/13703-3 - Environmentally friendly porous materials for the recovery and revaluation of metals reclaimed from contaminated water, AP.TEM

Abstract

Water conservation and the recovery of critical resources are challenges to promoting a sustainable future and quality of life for new generations. Metals such as Cr6+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+ are examples of these resources whose potential for contamination of water resources motivates the constant search for efficient and environmentally friendly methods to remove and recover them. Innovative adsorbents as porous materials based on polysaccharides are alternatives for the remediation of water contaminated by metals following criteria such as sustainability, raw material availability, low cost, and ease of operation. Thus, this project aims at the development of porous adsorbents (aerogels, hydrogels, and spun membranes) from materials such as starch and lignocellulosic fibers, widely available biopolymers, containing unmodified and chemically modified nanoclays for the recovery of Cr6+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+ from contaminated waters. Several synthesis methods will be evaluated to optimize the materials' physicochemical properties and adsorption potential through experimental designs. The materials will be characterized according to their morphology, textural properties, chemical composition, biodegradability, and ecotoxicity. Mainly, the materials will be studied regarding the potential for adsorption and desorption of metals from wastewater by kinetic, equilibrium, thermodynamic, desorption and reuse, and regeneration cycles. Thus, this project aims to contribute to the sustainable management of water and critical and toxic resources to mitigate environmental impacts and promote the circular economy.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BRIAO, GIANI DE VARGAS; ROSA, DERVAL S.; FROLLINI, ELISABETE. Hydrogels from non-woody lignocellulosic biomass for toxic metal uptake from wastewater: a brief overview. Cellulose, v. 32, n. 2, p. 22-pg., 2024-12-08. (23/07447-2, 20/13703-3)