Murilo Alexandre Fendrich

Bio: Murilo Alexandre Fendrich is an academic researcher from University of Trento. The author has contributed to research in topics: Photocatalysis & Catalysis. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 6 publications receiving 66 citations.

Solar Concentration for Wastewaters Remediation: A Review of Materials and Technologies

Abstract: As the effectiveness of conventional wastewater treatment processes is increasingly challenged by the growth of industrial activities, a demand for low-cost and low-impact treatments is emerging. A possible solution is represented by systems coupling solar concentration technology with advanced oxidation processes (AOP). In this paper, a review of solar concentration technologies for wastewater remediation is presented, with a focus on photocatalyst materials used in this specific research context. Recent results, though mostly on model systems, open promising perspectives for the use of concentrated sunlight as the energy source powering AOPs. We identify (i) the development of photocatalyst materials capable of efficiently working with sunlight, and (ii) the transition to real wastewater investigation as the most critical issues to be addressed by research in the field.

Light-Induced Advanced Oxidation Processes as PFAS Remediation Methods: A Review

Abstract: PFAS substances, which have been under investigation in recent years, are certainly some of the most critical emerging contaminants. Their presence in drinking water, correlated with diseases, is consistently being confirmed by scientific studies in the academic and health sectors. With the aim of developing new technologies to mitigate the water contamination problem, research activity based on advanced oxidation processes for PFAS dealkylation and subsequent mineralization is active. While UV radiation could be directly employed for decontamination, there are nevertheless considerable problems regarding its use, even from a large-scale perspective. In contrast, the use of cheap, robust, and green photocatalytic materials active under near UV-visible radiation shows interesting prospects. In this paper we take stock of the health problems related to PFAS, and then provide an update on strategies based on the use of photocatalysts and the latest findings regarding reaction mechanisms. Finally, we detail some brief considerations in relation to the economic aspects of possible solutions.

Treatment of surfactant-rich industrial wastewaters with concentrated sunlight: toward solar wastewater remediation

Abstract: We report here on a photo-Fenton process powered by concentrated sunlight applied for the treatment of surfactant-rich (5–20 g/L) industrial wastewaters. Degradation yields of 89% in 2 min in homogenous and 23% in 1 h for heterogenous conditions pave the way for the development of a low-cost/high-yield wastewater treatment process. Employed as a preliminary stage in wastewater treatment plants or as a small-scale stand-alone operated by small-medium enterprises, it could reduce the environmental and economic impact of wastewaters.

Hydrothermal Carbonization as a Valuable Tool for Energy and Environmental Applications: A Review

Abstract: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) represents an efficient and valuable pre-treatment technology to convert waste biomass into highly dense carbonaceous materials that could be used in a wide range of applications between energy, environment, soil improvement and nutrients recovery fields. HTC converts residual organic materials into a solid high energy dense material (hydrochar) and a liquid residue where the most volatile and oxygenated compounds (mainly furans and organic acids) concentrate during reaction. Pristine hydrochar is mainly used for direct combustion, to generate heat or electricity, but highly porous carbonaceous media for energy storage or for adsorption of pollutants applications can be also obtained through a further activation stage. HTC process can be used to enhance recovery of nutrients as nitrogen and phosphorous in particular and can be used as soil conditioner, to favor plant growth and mitigate desertification of soils. The present review proposes an outlook of the several possible applications of hydrochar produced from any sort of waste biomass sources. For each of the applications proposed, the main operative parameters that mostly affect the hydrochar properties and characteristics are highlighted, in order to match the needs for the specific application.

Hydrothermal Carbonization of Organic Waste and Biomass: A Review on Process, Reactor, and Plant Modeling

Abstract: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an emerging path to give a new life to organic waste and residual biomass. Fulfilling the principles of the circular economy, through HTC “unpleasant” organics can be transformed into useful materials and possibly energy carriers. The potential applications of HTC are tremendous and the recent literature is full of investigations. In this context, models capable to predict, simulate and optimize the HTC process, reactors, and plants are engineering tools that can significantly shift HTC research towards innovation by boosting the development of novel enterprises based on HTC technology. This review paper addresses such key-issue: where do we stand regarding the development of these tools? The literature presents many and simplified models to describe the reaction kinetics, some dealing with the process simulation, while few focused on the heart of an HTC system, the reactor. Statistical investigations and some life cycle assessment analyses also appear in the current state of the art. This work examines and analyzes these predicting tools, highlighting their potentialities and limits. Overall, the current models suffer from many aspects, from the lack of data to the intrinsic complexity of HTC reactions and HTC systems. Therefore, the emphasis is given to what is still necessary to make the HTC process duly simulated and therefore implementable on an industrial scale with sufficient predictive margins.

Ni2+-assisted catalytic one-step synthesis of Bi/BiOCl/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light

Abstract: Bi/BiOCl/Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 heterojunction was prepared via one-step hydrothermal process under the synergistic catalysis of Ni 2+ , where Bi(NO 3 ) 3 was employed as Bi source, DMF was used as carbon source and reductant, NiCl 2 was adopted as Cl source and co-catalyst. The content of Bi, BiOCl and Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 can be adjusted by changing the reaction time, temperature, content of DMF and NiCl 2 . The doping of Bi enhanced the photocatalytic activity of BiOCl/Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 under visible-light. Bi/BiOCl/Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 presented photo-degradation activity for environmental pollutants of rhodamine B, sunset yellow and tetracycline, which were 13.01, 9.40, 1.50 times and 168.38, 10.90, 4.75 times higher than BiOCl and Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 , respectively. The improved photocatalytic activity was ascribed to the sensitized effect of Bi and BiOCl, the surface plasmon resonance effect and the heterojunction structure, which inhibited the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The degradation mechanism for rhodamine B was discussed, and the decreased toxicity of the degradation products was demonstrated. • The novel Bi/BiOCl/Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 catalyst was synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal method. • Ni 2+ can catalyze the reduction reaction of Bi 3+ by DMF. • Bi/BiOCl/Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 presents enhanced photocatalytic activity for organic pollutants degradation. • 1 O 2 ,·O 2 - and h + play important functions in the photocatalytic process. • The reduced toxicity of the degradation products was testified with culture mung bean sprouts.