Rana Zubair Anwar
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Cumulative GPA 3.71/4.00
Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Punjab, Pakistan
zubairanwar2045@[Link]
Thesis Title
“Exploring the efficiency of nanomaterials
in Advanced Wastewater Treatment”
Introduction
In introduction, we will cover two main things:
1. Introduction to nanotechnology & nanomaterials
2. Reasons for wastewater
Reasons for Wastewater
1. Industrial processes
Contains harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants
2. Agricultural runoff
Agricultural Runoff contains fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste
3. Domestic sewage
Wastewater from daily activities such as bathing, cooking, and
sanitation
Introduction to Nanotechnology &
Nanomaterials
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology refers to the branch of science and engineering
devoted to designing, producing, and using structures, devices, and
systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale (1-100
nm)
Nanomaterials
Nanomaterials are materials that have at least one dimension
(height, width, or length) in the size range of 1 and 100 nm
Unique properties (High Surface Area, Catalytic Properties)
Uses (medical treatments, electronics, and environmental protection)
Characterization of
Nanomaterials
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): Preferred for
directly measuring the size, shape, and morphology of NPs
X-ray diffraction (XRD): Provides information about the
crystalline structure and composition of NPs
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Useful for
visualizing and analyzing the topography and surface morphology of
NPs
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR):
Routinely used for molecular and material characterization to
identify functional groups and obtain information about the surface
chemistry of NPs.
Preparation of Nanomaterials
I. Sol-gel methods
II. Hydrothermal Synthesis
III. Chemical vapor deposition
IV. Solvothermal synthesis
[Link]-gel methods
Precursors (metal alkoxides or metal chlorides are used as precursors)
Solvent (ethanol or methanol are used to dissolve the precursors)
Hydrolysis Reaction (metal alkoxide reacts with water, metal hydroxides
is formed)
Condensation Reaction (hydroxyl groups react further, forming a three-
dimensional network)
Gelation (The sol gradually transforms into a gel
Gel is dried to remove the solvent, dried gel is calcined (heat-treated) to
remove any organic residues and to crystallize the material)
2. Hydrothermal Synthesis
Precursors such as metal salts or oxides, are dissolved or dispersed in
water
Mixture is heated to the desired temperature and pressure & the
reaction allowed to proceed
After the reaction, nanomaterials are collected, typically by filtration or
centrifugation
The synthesized nanomaterials are washed to remove any residual
reactants and then dried for further use
3. Chemical vapor deposition
Precursor compounds containing the desired material, are
introduced into the CVD reactor
The precursors are transported to the substrate surface
Upon reaching the substrate, the precursors undergo
chemical reactions, often facilitated by heat & energy
This reaction results in the formation of a solid material on
the substrate and the release of byproducts
4. Solvothermal synthesis
• Precursors (metal salt) is added to reaction vessel
• Add the solvent (organic solvent) into the vessel and sealed it
• Heat the reaction vessel at desired temperature (usually
100°C-300°C) to promote reaction
• After the reaction, filter the contents to separate
nanomaterials from the solvent and any unreacted precursors
• Wash the nanomaterials to remove impurities and then dry
Methods of Wastewater
Treatment
1. Adsorption
2. Photocatalysis
3. Membrane filtration
[Link]
Adsorption involves the attachment of contaminants (organic
pollutants, heavy metals, or dyes) to the surface of
nanomaterials
The high surface area and unique properties of
nanomaterials enhance their adsorption capacity
In this way, nanomaterials absorb contaminants from
wastewater
2. Photocatalysis
Photocatalysis utilizes nanomaterials to degrade organic
pollutants under UV or visible light
When exposed to light, electrons in the nanomaterials
become excited, leading to the generation of reactive
oxygen species (ROS) that break down contaminants
In this way, contaminants are degraded from wastewater
3. Membrane filtration
Nanomaterial-based membranes are used for filtration
processes
These membranes have nanopores that selectively allow
water molecules to pass through while retaining
contaminants
Nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes are
examples of nanomaterial-based filtration systems
Comparison with Traditional
Methods
Conventional filtration
Chemical treatments (oxidation, coagulation, flocculation)
Biological treatments (utilize microorganisms to break down
organic matter)
Comparison with Traditional
Methods
Nanomaterial-based wastewater treatment methods offer several
advantages over traditional methods:
They often provide higher efficiency in pollutant removal due to
their high surface area, which enhances adsorption and catalytic
properties
They can be more selective, targeting specific contaminants
without affecting harmless substances
Nanomaterials also tend to be more cost-effective in the long run
They require smaller doses and shorter treatment times compared
to traditional methods
Environmental Impact
Use of nanomaterials pose potential risks to the
environment:
Nanomaterials may release toxic ions or compounds during
use or degradation, harming aquatic life or soil quality
Nanoparticles could accumulate in organisms through the
food chain
Nanomaterials could interact with other pollutants in
wastewater, leading to the formation of harmful byproducts
Future Prospects
Research directions (research is directed towards
developing new nanomaterials with improved properties)
Emerging technologies (nanocomposites, carbon-based
nanomaterials)
Potential improvements (cost reduction, reusability,
Multi-contaminant targeting)
Q&A
Questions and Answers
