Magnetic nanocomposites for water remediation: a new environmental technology

  • Climate
  • Design & Modelling
  • Performance
  • Properties
  • Structures
  • Synthesis & Processing
  • Catalyst materials
  • Composites
  • Hybrid materials
  • Perovskites
  • Porous materials
Academic project
PhD
Open

Research question

This project will effectively tackle the question of how one can design magnetic nanocomposites with the maximum adsorption/catalytic activity, while still maintaining a high enough saturation magnetization for effective magnetic separation. Morphologies to be explored are core-shell nanoparticles with a magnetic core, and magnetic nanocomposites with 2D materials that have a layered sheet-like structure for maximum adsorption and catalytic sites. In addition, we will also work towards the question of improved design of permanent magnets, so that the magnetic force can be maximized without increasing the bulk volume of the magnet, but instead by increasing the magnetic field gradient, which will allow us to use smaller, but more effective magnets for magnetic recovery and elimination of secondary contamination.

Sustainability aspects

Clean water as a vital resource for life is under significant threat today, when ongoing climate changes are continuously depleting our water reservoirs and the rampant misuse of water resources is causing an imbalance in the distribution of clean water across the globe. It is necessary, therefore, to act now to reverse this trend, and, via this project, we aim also to respond to the United Nations’ forecast that to meet the 2030 “clean water” targets, the current pace of progress needs to be accelerated at least 3-6 times. The dual approach adopted in this project of developing magnetic nanocomposites for (i) pollutant adsorption/degradation and (ii) efficient separation and recovery (to avoid secondary contamination) will enable us to scientifically contribute towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (in order of relevance): SDG6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG3 (Good health and well-being), SDG11 (Sustainable cities and communities), and SDG12 (Responsible consumption and production).

 

Uppsala University

Tapati Sarkar

Associate Professor

tapati.sarkar@angstrom.uu.se

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