Filtration membranes modified with semiconductors to build heterogeneous filtration/photocatalysis hybrid systems.

• Grant number: 24/04167-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Agreement: CNPq - INCTs
• Principal Investigator: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Grantee: Hernan Dario Rojas Mantilla
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50945-4 - INCT 2014: National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies, AP.TEM

Abstract

This project aims to enhance filtration systems for treating contaminated water, aiming to reduce operation time and cost, as well as facilitate membrane cleaning to improve process efficiency. The proposal involves evaluating and combining filtration/photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis systems, using membranes modified with photoactivated semiconductors for application in degrading emerging contaminants.The modification of filtration membranes through semiconductor deposition will allow for reducing issues such as membrane fouling, while promoting photocatalytic efficiency and improving the recombination of pairs (e-/h+), thereby favoring pollutant degradation. The performance of these membranes will be evaluated using a continuous flow reactor coupled with UV LED or visible LED irradiation systems for the removal of hydrocarbons and pharmaceuticals from contaminated waters. To enhance system efficiency, it is intended to optimize certain operational parameters of the reactor such as flow rate, intensity of irradiation from sources, membrane stability, volume, solution pH, contaminant concentration, and residence time in the system.Therefore, the objective is to evaluate the performance of organic and inorganic membranes modified by semiconductors in filtration/photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis systems, aiming to improve pollutant removal (such as pharmaceuticals, antidepressants, and Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene (BTX)) in different types of contaminated water. To achieve this, membranes modified with semiconductors such as TiO2, WO3, WO3-BiVO4, and TiO2-BiVO4 will be developed using chemical electrodeposition and mechanical deposition methods.The stability, predominant phase type, and photoactivity of the modified membranes will be evaluated through characterization techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-FEG) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Specific Surface Area (BET), and zeta potential (PZ). Contaminant degradation will be monitored using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector (DAD), LC-MS/MS, and GC when applicable. Total organic carbon removal will be monitored through Total Organic Carbon (TOC) measurements.Filtration capacity will be assessed based on observed changes in system flow and membrane stability. Catalytic activity will be evaluated by monitoring the decay of Venlafaxine (VEN) concentration through control experiments (photolysis and adsorption), photodegradation experiments, and membrane reuse. The optimized system will be applied to real effluents from produced water or effluents contaminated with antidepressants or pharmaceuticals.It is expected that the developed system will enhance the treatment of contaminated water by generating a higher efficiency, versatility, and low-cost system, aiming for an effective and proper degradation of pollutants.

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)

AYALA-DURAN, SAIDY C.; ROJAS-MANTILLA, HERNAN D.; PEREZ-MOYA, MONTSERRAT; NOGUEIRA, RAQUEL F. PUPO. Enhanced degradation of venlafaxine induced by Fe2O3/CeO2 2 O 3 /CeO 2 heterostructures through the thermal transformation from type I to direct Z-scheme in heterogeneous photo-Fenton. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, v. 12, n. 6, p. 19-pg., 2024-10-17. (18/12780-4, 24/04167-1)