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Description:
Pollution of freshwater resources is increasing due to increasing population, quality of life, and decreasing availability of freshwater sources due to climate change and demand. Therefore, both Qatar and the UK a strict vision to maintain freshwater resources. Hence, our proposal introduces a comprehensive zero-net emission self-powered multifunction nano-enriched filter/sensor against water contaminants of emerging concern. The unit is composed of nanofibers membrane of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blended with both polyurethane (PU) and doped with cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs). CeO2 NPs are the main optical centers to sense different micro-pollutants in water depending on their optical fluorescence quenching capabilities. Furthermore, these optical nanoparticles can adsorb different micropollutants from water based on the charged defects inside the material. The nanoparticles are hosted in nanofibers mat of PVDF/TPU blend to add blockage feature as a filter to support the micropollutants removal. Also, the nanofiber membrane can harvest electrical energy from water flow disturbance based on the piezoelectricity response of PVDF and the mechanical stretchability performance of the PU additive. Furthermore, our proposed sensor unit will be connected to wireless communication node and controller to offer an autonomously controlled wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that will be integrated for pollution-pattern prediction such as metallic ions in water, data visualization, and runtime decision-support.
The objectives of the project are 1) Contribution in water quality enhancement within both Qatari water resources through sensing and removal of micropollutants, 2) Enhancement of scientific knowledge and development of novel technologies with a direct impact SDG6 clean water and sanitation for all, 3) Collaboration development between the research teams between Qatar University and Ulster University with potential through water management industry.
The expected outcomes of the project are 1) The generation of prototype multifunctional unit for emerging pollutants capturing from water along with sensor capability for water quality monitoring, 2) Greener energy approach through using a self-powered sensing unit depending on water disturbance conversion into electric energy, 3) Development of ICT industry in both Qatar and the UK through the added wireless automated control of the targeted multifunctional unit, 4) Strong academic outcomes of at least six publications in Q1/Q2 journals, three conference proceedings, and one patent of the multifunctional sensor.
The project will have an expected promising impact on enhancing the wastewater quality in collaborative sides of Qatar, Kuwait and the UK within factories’ exhausts to sense and remove micro/nano pollutants including PFAs metallic ones such as phosphate and lead. In addition, it can support the industrial sector in both countries to fabricate multi-functional removal/sensor unit for water quality monitoring with innovative features of self-power and automated feedback/control.
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