Smart Hybrid Nano-Composite Devices for Removal of PAH Micro-pollutant from Wastewaters
Résumé
Natural and drinking water supplies are being increasingly contaminated with emerging organic micro- (diluted-) pollutants such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been identified as carcinogenic and are non-degradable. Absorption is considered to be a very effective method of quick lowering of the concentration of dissolved pollutant in an effluent. However, traditional treatment using membrane or activated carbons have some limitations such as fouling and weak sorption ability due to their weak interaction with the target contaminants or difficulties to be regenerated respectively and, hence, require a radical change in the fundamental structure of the substrates. This presentation will address a new concept in efficient nano-sorbent for the sustainable removals of PAH micro-pollutant from wastewaters. The technology is based on the conception of novel nano-composite materials consisting of technical textile fibers functionalized by Organic/Inorganic nano-coatings (see figure below). We will discuss results from synthesis and characterizations of new molecular precursors for the Sol-Gel process to the remarkable advantages of the resultant hierarchical micro-, nano-structured nanocomposites, giving low cost and strong mechanical structures that can withstand high water flow rate for long time (a prerequisite. We will also demonstrate the relationships between the mode of coordination, the nature of the trapping sites of the ligand (pi-stacking) and high removal capacities and selectivities, fast adsorption rates and recycling properties for PAH organic moieties.