Pollution and Contamination

             Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic compounds widely used for their dual hydrophobic and lipophobic properties. They comprise more than 4700 CAS-registered compounds according to the OECD and have been used intentionally in nonstick, grease-and waterproof, and stain-resistant consumer products, particularly food packaging materials. PFAS are inherently persistent, and many are mobile, bio-accumulative, and toxicity to a wide array of organisms, making them emerging contaminants of concern.

Electrochemical methods like electrocoagulation (EC) can remove a vast array of compounds from wastewater but are not ideal for emerging pollutants found at low concentrations (ng/L to μg/L). In contrast, enzymes are known to effectively target these pollutants, but their performance can be hindered in complex water matrices. This work explores a biocatalytic treatment assisted by electrochemical processes to remove two emerging pollutants, Bisphenol A (BPA) and Triclosan (TCS) from municipal wastewater.

The mechanical recycling of multilayer laminated packaging films (MLPF) poses a considerable challenge due to the heterogeneity in plastic types and adhesives utilized. To address this challenge, this study uses two-step integrated chemolysis to upcycle MLPF. First, acids (acetic acids, formic acids, and succinic acids) were used to delaminate MLPF into separate layers that are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and metalized polyethylene (PE/Al).

This work aims to study the degradation of commonly used pharmaceutical contaminants in Chile through the Heterogeneous Solar Photo-Fenton process, utilizing nanometric-sized spinel ferrites as catalysts. Specifically, manganese ferrites (MnFe₂O₄), copper ferrites (CuFe₂O₄), and cobalt ferrites (CoFe₂O₄) will be synthesized, along with graphene-supported ferrite composites. The size, chemical composition, and morphology of these nanomaterials will be characterized.

The use of zerovalent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) immobilized in a chitosan (CS) polymer matrix is presented as an innovative and efficient solution for the removal of Cr(VI) in wastewater. nZVI, recognized for their high redox reactivity, have proven to be highly effective in removing various contaminants, including heavy metals. However, their tendency to agglomerate in aqueous media significantly reduces their surface area, reactivity, and mobility.

CO2 electrolyzers have gained significant attention as a viable technology to convert CO2 to multi-carbon products, thus helping mitigate carbon emissions and promote carbon circularity.  To be competitive with current chemicals manufacturing, the selectivity of multi-carbon products and the process energy efficiency in CO2 electrolyzers needs yet to be improved. This work aims to address these challenges and make this reaction more sustainable by enhancing ethylene selectivity and improving reactor energy efficiency.