Degradation of Bisphenol S using electrogenerated hydrogen peroxide

• Grant number: 23/10846-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Grantee: Maria Clara Vieira Felipe
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Plastic, widely used due to its durability and low cost, generates significant environmental problems due to its difficult decomposition. Microplastics represent a particular threat in aquatic ecosystems as they accumulate in the food chain. Bisphenols, found in plastics, are endocrine disruptors that may cause health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and thyroid diseases. These disruptors affect the animals' endocrine system, interfering with metabolism and hormonal activity, with consequences to the reproductive system. To address this challenge, electrochemical technology emerges as an effective solution, offering high efficiency in removing pollutant compounds. Based on this context, the use of a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) becomes promising as it generates free hydroxyl radicals (*OH) from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The project described below aims to develop a Gas Diffusion Electrode using a carbon fabric support, objecting to optimize variables such as the amount and composition of the catalytic mass, pressure, and temperature, to achieve better results. Additionally, it seeks to enhance H2O2 electrogeneration in electrochemical cells and increase the efficiency of electrochemical treatment in degrading plasticizers such as Bisphenol S. To accomplish this, monitoring will be evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV/Vis detection.