Degradation of bisphenol F using in situ electrogenerated oxidants in flow reactors in different configurations

• Grant number: 24/06719-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: September 04, 2024
• End date: September 03, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
• Principal Investigator: Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza
• Grantee: Aline Resende Dória
• Supervisor: Sergio Garcia Segura
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Arizona State University, Tempe (ASU), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/12818-7 - Synthesis of gas diffusion electrodes modified with SnO2-Nb2O5 for in situ H2O2 electrogeneration for microplastic aditives degradation, BP.PD

Abstract

The presence of organic contaminants in the environment is a matter of increasing concern as they can harm aquatic organisms and can accumulate in the human body through amplification of the biological chain. In this sense, the presence of organic contaminants has been recognized as one of the main environmental issues facing humanity today. The application of electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOP) in the treatment of organic contaminants holds the promise of effectively addressing organic contaminants pollution by attaining their complete mineralization. However, there are still several scientific and engineering challenges to be addressed to ensure successful translation of EAOP technology towards higher technology readiness levels. This request for a research internship abroad proposes to further advance the fundamental and engineering understanding of EAOPs. I will focus on the study of EAOP treatment of one of the major endocrine disruptors in water bodies, Bisphenol F. To carry out this proposal, a carbon-based gas diffusion electrode Printex L6 (CP-L6) modified with SnO2-Nb2O5 that has been previously optimized during the post-doctorate phase in Brazil will be implemented in upscale systems. The cutting edge electrocatalytic material will be used to enable higher efficacy on the EAOP degradation of these contaminants via electrogenerated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the cathode compartment. In the anode compartment, boron-doped diamond anode and dimensionally stable anode will be used to degrade bisphenol F. We will explore synergies of different oxidants electrogenerated including reactive oxygen species (i.e., hydroxyl radical), active chlorine species, and sulfate radical species. Operational parameters that drive performance and competitiveness of EAOP at upscale will be evaluated in terms of key performance indicators related to contaminant removal, efficiency, and energy. The project will contribute to advancing knowledge about a global and emergency problem, seeking solutions for the removal of organic contaminants.