Hybrid inorganic-organic magnetic systems for environmental applications

Heterogeneous processes based on the application of hybrid inorganic-organic magnet-responsive nanomaterials (MRNs) are receiving great attention in wastewater remediation treatments as alternative technologies exploitable both in light-enhanced advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and in more traditional sorption routes. Such MRNs are based on magnetite/maghemite nanoparticles functionalized by two different biowaste-derived macromolecules (i.e., either humic-like substances or chitosan), following the "Waste Cleaning Waste" approach. In view of showing the potentiality of these hybrid systems, three case studies are discussed, namely: i) the removal of caffeine via light-enhanced AOPs at circumneutral conditions [1], the removal of anthracene and naphthalene via sorption mechanism [2], and the removal of As(III) and As(V) via sorption mechanism [3]. References: [1] F. Franzoso, et al., Chemical Engineering Journal 2017, 310, 307-316. [2] R. Nisticò, et al., ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering 2017, 5, 793-801. [3] R. Nisticò, et al., Journal of Hazardous Materials 2018, 342, 260-269.