PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF EMERGING POLLUTANTS USING g-C3N4/LDH COMPOSITES UNDER VISIBLE LIGHT

• Grant number: 25/11250-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos Silva Costa Teixeira
• Grantee: Paulo Henrique Domingues Muniz de Souza
• Supervisor: Maria Jose Fernandes Sampaio
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade do Porto (UP), Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/12752-1 - EVALUATION OF Fe3O4/WO3/Mg Al HDL COMPOSITES FOR ACETAMINOPHENE DEGRADATION VIA THE PHOTOCATALYTIC ADVANCED OXIDATIVE PROCESS, BP.IC

Abstract

The growing presence of pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments poses significant risks to ecosystems. Traditional wastewater treatment systems are often ineffective in removing these pollutants, especially in complex mixtures. In this context, heterogeneous photocatalysis using visible-light-active semiconductors has emerged as a promising strategy for environmental remediation. This project aims to investigate the photocatalytic treatment of a synthetic mixture of pharmaceuticals using a hybrid photocatalyst based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and MgAl-layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The materials will be synthesized via an electrostatic self-assembly route in aqueous solutions and applied to degrade a mixture of six pharmaceuticals - venlafaxine, citalopram, carbamazepine, tramadol, ketoprofen and diclofenac - under visible light irradiation in a batch reactor. The performance of the photocatalysts will be evaluated through kinetic studies and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The internship will be carried out at LSRE-LCM (UPorto), a research center with recognized expertise in photocatalysis, carbon-based materials and real aqueous matrices treatment. This experience will contribute decisively to the ongoing project of the undergraduate student and will bring innovative approach in wastewater treatment techniques to the Brazilian research team.