Green magnetic nanocatalyst to applied in emerging pollutants removal

Title : Green magnetic nanocatalyst to applied in emerging pollutants removal

Abstract:

This study describes the synthesis of an innovative nanomaterial of cobalt ferrite functionalized in niobium pentoxide CoFe₂O₄@Nb₂O₅ synthesized by green synthesis using orange peel extract. The material values the combination of a magnetic material (which allows easy recovery after catalyst) with niobium pentoxide (whose metal is abundant in Brazilian territory). Besides the magnetic properties, the type of synthesis created has several advantages over other types already reported in the literature. Among the advantages can be highlighted: Utilization of biomass, namely fruit peels; Extract production using only distilled water as a solvent and low temperatures; Incorporation of the niobium pentoxide support in the same stage of synthesis of cobalt ferrite; High support incorporation compared to other methods, without losing or decreasing the magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite; Added-value to a raw material abundant in Brazilian territory, the niobium; Low-cost synthesis, using standard equipment of the laboratory. The nanomaterial in question is being optimized for the degradation of emerging pollutants, an interest that has risen sharply over the last decade (as evidenced by article publications that have increased by more than 700%). Still, preliminary tests indicated that the CoFe₂O₄@Nb₅O₂ nanocatalysts were efficient in the degradation, showing better results under conditions of acid pH, catalyst concentration around 100 mg.L^-1, under irradiation of the 250 W mercury vapor lamp.

What will audience learn from your presentation?

• Other  faculty could use this research to expand their research or teaching on synthesis of magnetic nanocatalysts;
• This research offers a practical solution for recovering the nanocatalyst after use (with a magnet), allowing its reuse;
• It is possible to obtain the material with few resources, allowing its reproducibility.

Biography:

Jessica studied Chemical Engineering at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR) and did a Double Degree at Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal, about Nanotechnology. She participated in the internship at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) and at the Institute of Experimental Physics (Slovak Academy of Science), perfecting some techniques with nanomaterials. She completed a Brazilian Masters at UTFPR, whose work resulted in the synthesis of an unprecedented nanomaterial which has intellectual protection through a patent. Currently, she is PhD student in Production Engineering, at UTFPR (Knowledge and Innovation Management), continuing to explore the versatility of the nanomaterial created.