“Nanocomposites for applications in the field of water purification, photocurrent production and antimicrobial coatings”
Prof. Dr. Erwan RAUWEL
Estonian University of Life Science, Inst. of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Chair of Veterinary Biomedicine and Food Hygiene, Tartu, Estonia
Abstract
The world is presently multiple interconnected challenges with the energy crisis, the climate change, the water scarcity and the emergence of new pathogens. Nanocomposites, due to their unique properties, spurred a lot of interest and may be the solution to circumvent these threats or at least decrease their impact on the environment and human society. Our research group focuses on the development of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for targeted applications. Water pollution has become an important issue, we demonstrated that cobalt based nanomaterials can be used to magnetically extract metallic pollutants (Pb, Cu, Fe, Mn, As, U…). To industrialize the technology, we have developed a sand/glass based nanocomposite that exhibits similar extraction properties by a single passage through the filter, and extract contaminants from water with high yield. The exhausted sand nanocomposite can then be treated for being recycled to promote a circular economy. The recent Covid-19 outbreak highlighted our lack of preparation to face such threat, and nanomaterials are seen as promising solution for the development of antimicrobial coating. In this aim, we tested the combination of Cobalt based nanomaterials with polymer to promote ion diffusion and prevent the spread of pathogens. The seminar will also introduce the possibility of combining well-known nanomaterials (HfO2) with CNT to induce the production of photocurrent under visible light and UV excitation. The properties of the nanocomposites we develop in our group will be discussed in terms of possible utilization for biomedical applications, environmental remediation and energy production.
Date infos
Grenoble INP - Phelma
3 parvis Louis Néel - 38000 Grenoble
Accès : TRAM B arrêt Cité internationale
3 parvis Louis Néel - 38000 Grenoble
Accès : TRAM B arrêt Cité internationale
Location infos
11 a.m. - Seminar room
2nd floor - LMGP
2nd floor - LMGP