Synthesis and characterization of multi-responsive hydrogels as catalyst supports for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol in water

• Grant number: 24/16002-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2026
• End date: September 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Grantee: Gabriel Ferreira Toledo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02728-0 - Development of films and hydrogels containing terpenes or derivative oligomers for active packaging and multifunctional medical devices applications, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

The accumulation of pollutants resistant to degradation in water bodies poses a significant threat to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Among these pollutants, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) stands out as a highly toxic industrial contaminant with notable chemical stability, making its removal through natural degradation particularly challenging. In catalytic processes aimed at its conversion, 4-NP molecules are initially adsorbed and concentrated on the surfaces of metal nanoparticles. However, the inherent properties of these nanoparticles often lead to agglomeration during the catalytic reaction, resulting in a rapid decline in available active sites. To address this issue, the present proposal seeks to develop an innovative, effective, and environmentally friendly methodology for the elimination of 4-NP in aquatic environments. This approach is based on the use of hydrogels that are responsive to pH and temperature stimuli as supports for metallic nanoparticles, representing a paradigm shift in catalytic applications. The unique characteristics of these hydrogels hold great potential for significantly enhancing the degradation of organic contaminants. Furthermore, the integration of multi-responsive hydrogels as support matrices for catalysts can improve their practical applicability, ensuring performance modulation through external parameters such as pH and temperature. Overall, this research promises to offer new insights into the development of catalytic polymer nanocomposites, paving the way for their future adoption in the removal of a broad spectrum of aquatic contaminants in water purification processes. (AU)