Design and Synthesis of M(O,S)y Heterostructures and Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern and Industrial Waste Chemicals

Misganaw Zeleke  University of Limerick & University of Ljubljana

The production and utilisation of chemicals are significantly on the rise on a global scale, with projections indicating a potential doubling by the year 2030. These chemicals can be generated through synthetic means or derived from natural sources. When these compounds are released into the environment, whether intentionally or inadvertently, they manifest in various harmful forms such as toxic ionic or elemental forms, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including antibiotic pharmaceuticals, and other detrimental entities. The improper handling and disposal of these chemicals present a grave public health concern, leading to a multitude of long-term health implications, which include disorders affecting the reproductive and urinary systems, incidences of cancer, respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, and disruptions in endocrine functions. The severity of the impact intensifies when these chemicals contaminate aquatic ecosystems, thereby escalating their concentration levels and ultimately facilitating their access into the human body through several pathways like inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion through soil, food, and water. Efforts have been made to address the impacts using conventional biological processes and physico-chemical treatments. However, these methods fall short in providing complete elimination. Therefore, advanced treatment strategies of (photo-)reduction and degradation approaches are imperative to break down these harmful substances into harmless by-products and alleviate the potential risks they pose to the ecosystem and public health.

Dr. Zeleke’s research project focuses on the design and synthesis of transition metal oxide and oxy-sulfide heterostructures and nanocomposites for the (photo-)reduction and degradation of inorganic and organic chemical pollutants. The nanocatalysts will by synthesised through simple experimental procedures using environmentally friendly precursor chemicals and solvents. The catalytically efficient nanocatalysts will be characterised using state-of-the-art technologies and the main research outputs of his works will be disseminated to the beneficiary communities, researchers, and companies of interest through different strategical result dispatching outlets including conferences, publications, social media platforms, and other community engagement activities.  In the future, Dr. Zeleke has a vision to establish his own research group that will focus on nanomaterials of different types and designs for advanced wastewater treatment applications. During his stay as a DOROTHY-MSCA fellow, Dr. Zeleke will be supervised by Prof. Witold Kwapinski, University of Limerick and Prof. Urška Lavrencic Stangar, University of Ljubljana, and mentored by Prof. Kibret Mequanint, Western University, Canada.