(4dl) Photodegradation and Recovery of Pollutants in Aqueous Systems Using Magnetic Nanoparticles Coated with Photocatalyst Materials

Magnetic nanoparticles are the subject of intense research focusing on their synthesis, characterization, and functionalization. These nanomaterials are attractive in various novel applications including: nano-/bio-sensors, protein immobilization, MRI contrast enhancement agents, catalyst recovery, agents for treatment of localized cancerous tumors, and separation of pollutants in aqueous systems, among other. These applications require suitable nanoparticle surface modification, which provides colloidal stability in aqueous or biological fluids and improves the nanoparticle's transport and retention in specific areas.

From my doctoral thesis, I worked with the synthesis of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles coated with silane-functional molecules and biocompatible materials such as carboxy-methyl dextran (CMDx) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). These nanoparticles showed a high stability in biological buffers mainly composed of electrolytes such as sodium chloride, phosphates, and proteins. I have also functionalized magnetic nanoparticles with a silane-acrylate molecule to graft thermo-sensitive polymers such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM), which can be used for controlled drug delivery. Additionally, from my Postdoctoral Research Associate position I am working with the synthesis of novel magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles for neuron targeting, and the preparation of the laboratory guideline: Determination of Size and Size Distribution of Silica Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Stöber Method. From which I have had the opportunity to participate in symposiums, workshops, and projects related to addressing the challenges of nano-scale science on undergraduate education.

My previous experience with surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles gives me an excellent starting point to synthesize and functionalize nanoparticles for environmental applications such as the photodegradation and recovery of pollutants in aqueous systems. For this application, I propose encapsulate magnetic nanoparticles in a poly-siloxane matrix and then graft a layer of TiO2 molecules, which have been used for photodegradation of dyes under UV-Vis irradiation. After nano-photocatalyst process, the pollutants can be removed from the aqueous media by applying a magnetic field. I have found a funding opportunity from the National Science Foundation (NSF) division of Chemistry, and chemical catalyst for this nano-photocatalyst application.