Development of Hybrid Tannin and Reduced Graphene Oxide Cryogels for Environmental Remediation of Aquatic Pollutants

The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by heavy metals and organic pollutants represents a global environmental challenge, threatening human health and ecological balance. Conventional treatment methods, such as chemical precipitation and membrane separation, are costly, ineficient at low concentrations, and generate secondary waste. Adsorption emerges as a promising alternative due to its simplicity and eficiency; however, its success depends on the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and high-performance adsorbent materials. This project proposes the development of a tannin–reduced graphene oxide (A-T/rGO) composite cryogel as an innovative and sustainable solution for the removal of heavy metals and organic dyes from aqueous efluents. The research aims to optimise synthesis parameters (particularly the tannin/GO ratio) to correlate structural properties (morphology, porosity) with adsorption performance. Furthermore, it seeks to achieve a deep understanding of adsorption mechanisms through kinetic and isotherm studies. The ultimate goal is to create a high-performance, low-cost, and eco-friendly material capable of promoting eficient and sustainable remediation of contaminated water.

Faculty Supervisor:

Flavia Braghiroli

Student:

Partner:

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Nanotechnology

University:

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Program: