Chemistry Weekly Seminar - Bahareh Vafakish, PhD Candidate
Bahareh Vafakish, PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan will present a seminar at 1:30 pm via Zoom.
Title
Chitosan-based Sorbents for Wastewater Treatment & Pollutant Detection
Abstract
This presentation outlines the development of novel grafted forms of chitosan with unique biopolymer structure for adsorption and the sensing of the model adsorbates in aqueous media. The long-term objective of this research was aimed at the development of a material with dual functionality (adsorption and detection) for removal of waterborne contaminants. Currently, these two fields are separate now and through this research, efforts are made to provide connections.
Fluorescein is a representative organic dye and Cu(II) ion is a relevant heavy metal that serve as model contaminant species in aqueous media. Kinetic, and spectroscopic studies were employed to gain insight on the adsorption mechanism. The results obtained guided the design of materials with improved adsorption site accessibility, greater adsorption capacity, along with higher surface area. A comparative uptake of Fluorescein and its halogenated analogue, Rose Bengal were studied to analyze the role of halogen bonding in the adsorption process. Despite advancements in the field of adsorption science, this work reports a first example of the role of halogen bonding for such adsorbent-dye systems. The successful development of unique grafted chitosan adsorbents has contributed to the field of pollutant detection in aqueous media using fluorescence and SERS techniques by employing innovative grafted biopolymers with multifunctional properties. The practical utility of modified chitosan demonstrates an innovative solution for addressing key global water security challenges.
Date: Friday, October 8
Time: 1:30 pm
Via Zoom video conference (link available by request to chem.dept@usask.ca)