Copper-Cysteamine/Layered Double Hydroxides with lanthanides for environmental applications: detection of pharmaceutical residues and degradation by heterogeneous photocatalysis

• Grant number: 24/16925-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Rogéria Rocha Gonçalves
• Grantee: Nayara de Melo Costa Serge
• Supervisor: Eva Hemmer
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Ottawa (uOttawa), Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/07220-8 - Development of Layered Double Hydroxide/Copper-Cysteamine Nanoparticles Systems for Environmental Applications: Pharmaceuticals Degradation, Pathogens Inactivation and Sensing, BP.PD

Abstract

Pharmaceutical residues, such as anticancer drugs and antibiotics, can persist in the environment after being discharged in wastewater, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are typically ineffective at removing these pollutants. The absence of specific legislation and the challenges associated with detecting these residues in environmental samples have motivated research towards innovative technologies for their detection and elimination. This research project focuses on the synthesis and application of copper-cysteamine nanoparticles (Cu-Cys) and lanthanide-doped layered double hydroxides (LDHs: ZnAlNiEu, ZnAlNiTb, ZnAlNiCe) to detect and degrade pharmaceutical residues in WWTPs. The primary aim is to develop an optical sensor for pharmaceutical detection, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Eva Hemmer from the University of Ottawa (uOttawa). The project will also explore the potential of Cu-Cys/ZnAlNiCe in degrading pharmaceuticals using heterogeneous photocatalysis under a solar simulator, in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Tito Scaiano from uOttawa. The synthesis and characterization of ZnAlNiEu, ZnAlNiTb, and Cu-Cys/ZnAlNiCe, as well as the evaluation of ZnAlNiEu and ZnAlNiTb's sensing capabilities for pharmaceutical residues, will be central objectives. This project aims to deliver innovative technology that integrates detection and degradation techniques, supported by international collaborations, thereby enhancing the quality and impact of the research.