Sustainable Plasmonic Membranes for Water Remediation

Introduction

Plasmon chemistry is an emerging field in which light energy is converted into chemical energy or heat in metal nanoparticles (NPs). Previously, we have investigated the degradation of small organic molecules such as brominated nucleobases and halogenated thiophenols through excitation of NPs by visible or even near-infrared light. These results inspired us to apply plasmonic nanomaterials to decompose organic micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals in wastewater.

Environmental Concerns

Many pharmaceuticals are categorized as water pollutants of emerging concern due to their harmful effect even in trace quantities, as they may cause damage in different living organisms present in and around aquatic systems.

Many studies have noted that such micropollutants show a ubiquitous environmental presence owing to their high water solubility and due to inefficient wastewater treatment. To avoid severe environmental, human health, and biodiversity problems, novel solutions for water remediation need to be developed.

Project Overview

Within the SusPlasMem project, a sustainable plasmonic membrane based on nanocellulose and plasmonic nanoparticles will be used for an efficient degradation of micropollutants by visible light.

Advantages of Visible Light

The degradation by visible light is very cost-effective and allows for the use of sunlight. The material is easy to scale up, and the scope of molecules to be decomposed will be studied by considering representatives of:

1. Antibiotics
2. Other small-molecule pharmaceuticals
3. Polyfluorinated alkyl substances

Project Goals

The SusPlasMem project will focus on validating the effectiveness of the generated membranes with respect to micropollutant removal from wastewater samples.

Development Strategies

Strategies will be developed to enable water remediation in flow, and a demonstrator model will be constructed.

Collaboration with Industry

Finally, we will work in close collaboration with industry partners to establish the implementation of the technology within an industrially relevant environment.