Use of carbon nitride in plasmonic photocatalysis combined with a sintered glass filter for groundwater treatment in decentralized areas

Abstract

Access to sufficient, safe, acceptable and affordable water is considered a human right and an integral part of the sustainable development goals formulated by the United Nations. Currently, a common problem in several countries is related to the presence of nitrate in groundwater used for public supply. Nitrate affects water quality and occurs from mineral sources, sewage disposal and as a by-product of agriculture and livestock. The consumption of high doses of nitrate can generate health problems for the population. Therefore, this unprecedented and interdisciplinary research aims to study carbon nitride, which is a low-cost semiconductor, to explore how the addition of gold and/or silver nanoparticles improves its photocatalytic ability to remove nitrate. Carbon nitride was selected because it is easy to synthesize, low-cost and accessible to develop applications in decentralized areas. Furthermore, the addition of small amounts of plasmonic nanoparticles makes it possible to improve its characteristics, thanks to increased absorption of radiation in the visible and even near-infrared ranges. The combination of carbon nitride in plasmonic photocatalysis with a sintered glass filter membrane will allow the development of an innovative water treatment device that will filter and photocatalyze at the same time. To develop the study, laboratory tests will be carried out in the Department of Chemistry of the Universidad de la Rioja in the research group of Professor Miguel Monge Oroz (international reference in photocatalysis). The research will make it possible to expand knowledge regarding plasmonic photocatalysis applied to decentralized treatment, with publication in an indexed journal. (AU)