Comprehensive evaluation of surface and adsorption properties of chitosan hydrogels with modified nanocellulose towards heavy metal removal in water

The presence of metal ions in contaminated water from industrial processes present a huge challenge that has led to great concern regarding their effects on human health. Conventional treatment processes are not adequate for their removal, so new technologies need to be investigated. The use of three-dimensional porous system, such as hydrogels, is an alternative for removing these contaminants. In addition, the presence of nanostructures to induce a chelating effect on metallic contaminants can improve their removal. Thus, chitosan hydrogel containing modified nanocellulose structures will be developed, and its adsorption properties towards metallic ions’ removal will be investigated. We intend to study the kinetics and conditions that modulate the adsorption process, aiming to understand its correlation with surface properties to optimize and enable their use in larger scales for an efficient alternative to remove these contaminants from water.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sushanta Mitra

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Federal do ABC

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: