Innovative ferrite / beta-cyclodextrin core-shell nanocomposites for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from aqueous effluents
(NanoFerDex)
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0251
(49 PED/2017)
Adsorption is an effective method of removing certain substances but much of the organic and inorganic pollutants cannot be removed using existing adsorbents. In recent years, nanotechnologies have solved many problems in the fields of energy, environment, health and agriculture worldwide.
Project goal
The project proposes a new and innovative class of nanoadsorbents with core-shell morphology. Nanoadsorbents are composed of ferrite particles (core) and cyclodextrin molecules (shell), in order to benefit from the remarkable properties of both materials: the magnetic properties of ferrite nanoparticles (which allow easy separation from the aqueous medium) and the high capacity of adsorption of cyclodextrin molecules. These nanoadsorbents can be used in the treatment of wastewater containing organic and inorganic pollutants.
Contracting authority: Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI)
Implementation period: 03/01/2017-02/07/2018
Total budget: 600.000 lei
Budget for the partner ICECHIM: 300.000 lei
Project responsible: Dr. Chem. Irina Fierăscu
Coordinator:
Project director: Dr. chem. Sorin Marius Avramescu
Partner:
National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM
Project responsible: Dr. chem. Irina Fierăscu
A significant part of the pollutants cannot be removed by current treatment methods and end up in surface and groundwater. Therefore, despite the great success in water and wastewater treatment, existing blockages (high costs for obtaining adsorbents, limited diffusion that impedes the process, large amount of solid waste after use) limit the application of adsorption processes.
A new approach is needed to improve process performance. In this context, much literature shows that nanotechnologies can be used to solve critical development problems, including wastewater pollution. Thus, the project proposes a new water treatment technology based on nanoadsorbents for the treatment of wastewater loaded with inorganics (heavy metals, nitrates, etc.) and organic compounds (pesticides, dyes, phenolic compounds, etc.).
Elaboration of laboratory protocols for the development of innovative depollution technologies; Development of laboratory technology for the synthesis and testing of innovative nanocomposites in the elimination of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals through the adsorption process.
Implementation period: 03/01/2017 – 15/12/2017
Planned activities (ICECHIM partner):
- Development of laboratory protocols for the synthesis of core-shell magnetic nanocomposites;
- Laboratory protocols for the characterization of ferrite nanoparticles and ferrite / β-cyclodextrin nanocomposites;
- Characterization of ferrite nanoparticles and nanocomposites;
- Dissemination of results.
Implementation and modeling of laboratory technology for the synthesis and testing of innovative nanocomposites in the removal of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals through the adsorption process. Validation of laboratory technology.
Implementation period: 16/12/2017 – 03/07/2018
Planned activities (ICECHIM partner):
- Research on the influence of operating parameters (pH, concentration of pollutants, adsorbent doses, temperature, etc.);
- Highlighting the efficiency of the proposed technology by analyzing water and adsorbent before and after treatment;
- Contributions to the development of technical documentation for technology and product;
- Dissemination of results.
Within phase I of the project, analytical protocols applicable for the characterization of ferrite nanoparticles and nanocomposites were developed, as well as laboratory protocols for the synthesis of core-shell magnetic nanocomposites, according to the work plan.
The following types of materials were also synthesized and analytically characterized:
- magnetite encapsulated in β cyclodextrin
- β-cyclodextrin-functionalized magnetite
- other types of magnetic materials usable as adsorbents
In the second phase, the ICECHIM partner obtained the following results:
- report on the influence of operating parameters (pH, concentration of pollutants, adsorbent dose, temperature, etc.)
- report on the efficiency of the proposed technology by analyzing the water and the pre- and post-treatment catalyst.
Also, the technical documentation for technology and product was developed (in collaboration with the project coordinator), as well as the patent application – Cyclodextrin-based core-shell adsorbents and their applications in environmental protection, Sorin Marius Avramescu, Irina Fierascu, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Alina Elena Olaru, Corina Bradu, A00385 / 30.05.2018.
The project resulted in four papers published in ISI journals (Reaction Kinetics, Mechanisms and Catalysis, Farmacia, Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology).
Also, the results were presented at prestigious international scientific events (10th International Conference on Materials Science & Engineering – BraMat 2017, The International Conference on Environmental Engineering and Management – ICEEM, Bologna, Italy, International Symposium “Priorities of Chemistry for a Sustainable Development – PRIOCHEM ”, 17th International Balkan Workshop on Applied Physics, IBWAP-2017, 2nd International Conference on Chemical and Biochemical Engineering – ICCBE2 2017, Canary Islands, Spain, Scientific Symposium Current Trends in Natural Sciences, Pitesti, International Scientific Symposium Current Trends in Natural Sciences 2018), as well as in fairs and exhibitions of invention (Euroinvent- European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation, Iasi, 2018, International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations “Traian Vuia” Timisoara, 2018, The 22nd International Exhibition of Inventics Inventica 2018, Iasi).
