Chemistry Weekly Seminar - Bernd Steiger, PhD Candidate
Bernd Steiger, PhD Candidate in the Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, will present a seminar at 1:30 pm in HLTH GB06.
Title
Chitosan-based biosorbents for controlled pollutant uptake with sulfate as a model oxyanion
Abstract
Oxyanions are prevalent pollutants in aqueous systems. Sodium sulfate exhibits high solubility and, although considered non-toxic, can cause adverse health effects at elevated levels. Adsorption technology can offer a low-cost and environmentally friendly approach to address sulfate contamination, however the high solubility of sulfate poses significant challenges towards efficient removal. Chitosan has been widely used as a platform material for decades for the controlled removal of a wide range of cationic and anionic pollutants. The unique sulfate adsorption properties of chitosan relate to its abundant amine and hydroxyl groups.
The goal of this research project was to employ chitosan as sustainable platform material through structural modification and explore strategies to prepare versatile materials for improved sulfate uptake at variable pH conditions. This goal was addressed by synthetic modification of chitosan, structural characterization, and the study of the anion adsorption properties using a range of complementary methods.
A divergent approach for the preparation of different adsorbents was pursued starting with a modular design strategy via synthetic surface modification followed by preparation of various metal-anchored polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) as highly versatile and tunable adsorbent materials. Elucidation of the adsorption mechanisms and effect of chemical groups contributes to a better understanding of the adsorbent materials, and their potential environmental impact. This enables a tailored synthetic design to afford selective and versatile adsorbent materials for a wide variety of applications.
Taken together, the prepared materials and composites showed promising oxyanion adsorption properties, along with the development of a variety of sustainable adsorbent materials for targeted oxyanion remediation that incorporate the principles of green chemistry.
Date: Friday, January 6, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm
Place: HLTH GB06