Research Projects

Water pollution is a growing environmental challenge, with pharmaceutical contaminants increasingly recognized as a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. These emerging pollutants, due to their chemical stability and biological activity, often persist through conventional wastewater treatment processes, necessitating the development of more effective and sustainable removal technologies. Among the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), piezocatalysis has gained attention for its ability to utilize mechanical energy, such as ultrasonic vibrations or fluid motion, to drive catalytic reactions. These fields facilitate the separation of charge carriers and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e., superoxide (•O₂⁻) and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals, capable of degrading persistent pharmaceutical molecules. NBT (Na₀.₅Bi₀.₅TiO₃), a lead-free piezoelectric ceramic with strong ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties, stands out as a suitable candidate for this application due to its high Curie temperature, environmental compatibility, and large spontaneous polarization. In general, various chemical and physical strategies have been explored to enhance the catalytic performance of piezocatalysts. Among them, tailoring the catalyst’s morphology and introducing porosity in a nanoscale catalyst stands out as a simple yet effective approach. Although nanostructured catalysts often exhibit high catalytic activity, their practical application is limited by challenges such as secondary pollution and difficulties in recovery and reuse. To overcome these challenges, foam-based structures offer a potential solution due to their multiple advantages, one of the most notable being their large surface area, which enhances contact between the catalyst and pollutants. Since the piezocatalysis process operates through mechanical energy, there is a potential risk of crack formation within the structured foam, which could lead to catalyst degradation. The present proposal involves the synthesis of an NBT–PDMS composite foam. PDMS's mechanical flexibility and durability help the catalyst maintain its structural integrity under continuous mechanical stress, facilitating easy placement, removal, and reuse. Furthermore, immobilizing the piezocatalyst within the foam matrix prevents particle leaching, reducing the risk of secondary pollution and significantly enhancing the material's recyclability. The NBT–PDMS composite foam combines the high catalytic efficiency of NBT with the practical utility of a reusable and environmentally safe support matrix. Its ease of use, recyclability, and environmental compatibility position it as a promising material for scalable, next-generation wastewater treatment technologies. As the demand for clean water continues to grow globally, developing and applying such sustainable piezocatalytic systems will be critical in safeguarding both environmental and public health.