My PhD project, under the supervision of Dr. Didier Robert and Dr. Nicolas Keller at ICPEES, is dedicated to addressing the issue of nanoplastics in water through Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs). The primary objective of this research is to effectively eliminate nanoplastics from water sources. To facilitate the mineralization of these contaminants, the project utilizes a supported catalyst, specifically a semiconductor impregnated on a solid foam. This approach is implemented in the context of batch photocatalysis, which allows for controlled experimental conditions and detailed analysis of the degradation process.
Furthermore, this project is conducted in collaboration with multiple laboratories, enriching the research through diverse expertise and resources. As part of this collaborative effort, we will examine the impact of various properties of nanoplastics on their degradation efficiency. Additionally, the project will explore the performance of different catalysts to identify the most effective options for enhancing the photocatalytic process.