Photocatalytic Treatment of Containminants in Water

Emerging contaminants in drinking water are coming under increasing scrutiny as hazards to human and aquatic health. These compounds include pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, Endocrine Disrupting Compounds and others. At present, the technologies for treating these compounds are costly and inefficient. Photocatalysis has been identified as a promising technique for treating these emerging contaminants in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. The intern in this project will identify promising photocatalyst materials, and then conduct research into the synthesis, detailed characterization and assessment of the catalytic performance novel photocatalytic materials for the treatment of contaminants in water. Specifically, the candidate, in collaboration with a team of Trojan scientists, will molecularly design catalytic materials that will enable new reaction pathways to efficiently transform toxic contaminants found in water to stable, non-toxic products. The objective is to develop effective, low-cost and environmentally-friendly ways to treat contaminants and produce safe drinking water.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Ajay K. Ray

Student:

Kun (Tina) Liu

Partner:

Trojan Technologies

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

University of Waterloo