Preparation of new polyacrylonitrile membranes based on polyvinyl pyridinium/graphene oxide for removal of pollutants in water and effluents

Abstract

The present project addresses the preparation, characterization and application of new polymeric membranes in the removal of emerging contaminants in water. For this it is planned the development of new membranes based on polyacrylonitrile coated with polyvinyl pyridinium and graphene oxide/graphene oxide functionalized with laccase enzyme. The incorporation of the materials to the polymer aims to propose a membrane design with high selective potential to remove potentially toxic metal ions, Cd2+ and Hg2+, and drugs, estradiol and diazepam in water and wastewater, by filtration and adsorption. This project includes part of the candidate's PhD project (2019/25220-8) and of the FAPESP Regular Aid project (2022/00454-0) coordinated by the Brazilian supervisor, dedicated to the preparation and application of new polymeric membranes in water and wastewater treatment. Professor Dr. Carlos Manuel Silva has expertise in the area of synthesis, characterization and application of innovative adsorbents for pollutant removal, developing projects in recent years of membrane preparation and studies of adsorptive processes. The excellent quality and structure of the Associated Laboratory CICECO - Institute of Materials of Aveiro and the University of Aveiro (UA) will allow the student access to state-of-the-art equipment and high sensitivity, not available in the Brazilian institution. This collaboration, besides promoting the discussion and exchange of experiences between the research groups involved, will help both the Regular Grant from Prof. Dr. Renato Falcão Dantas and the PhD of the applicant. (AU)