WetCat-PFAS: Surface wettability on heterogeneous advanced oxidation catalysis for PFAS degradation

全氟和多氟烷基物质（PFAS）是新兴的人为化学物质，在服装和涂料工业中得到了广泛的应用。然而，PFAS对人类健康造成严重问题，如癌症、免疫系统破坏、生殖问题等。目前的PFAS处理技术存在着PFAS浓缩废弃物和废材二次污染、能源成本和经济成本高等诸多局限性。本项目将通过对催化剂润湿性的精确控制和先进的ex/原位表征技术对反应机理的研究，合理设计高性能的Al2O3负载Mn （Mn/Al2O3）催化剂，用于PFAS在水环境中的降解。拟议的研究是跨学科的，位于化学和材料科学的界面。在这个奖学金中产生的知识将极大地有利于多个研究领域，如催化剂设计，润湿性，表面科学和水修复。这项研究开发的技术将通过建立一种创新的水净化方法，将对环境的影响降到最低，从而显著提高生活质量。该项目将由研究员Xiaoxi Guo博士负责，他在水修复特别是使用高级氧化工艺（AOP）方面具有很强的专业知识，在湿润和表面科学方面有着良好记录的Yao Lu博士指导，以及在协调欧盟项目和指导早期职业研究人员方面拥有丰富经验的Marina Resmini教授指导。该奖学金将为研究员提供新的专业知识和培训：1)先进的同步辐射技术，包括钻石光源设备的使用；2)表面润湿性控制；3)学术专业发展。该奖学金生将带来她在水处理方面的知识，这将补充该计划并提高主办人目前的专业知识。

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging anthropogenic chemicals that have been widely used in clothing and coating industry. However, PFAS cause serious issues to human health such as cancer, disruptions of immune systems, reproductive problems etc. Current PFAS treatment technologies have many limitations such as secondary pollution resulted from PFAS- condensed wastes and used material, and high energy and economic costs.This project will rationally design high-performance Al2O3 supported Mn (Mn/Al2O3) catalysts for PFAS degradation in aqueous environments via precise control of the wettability of catalysts and study of the reaction mechanism using advanced ex/in-situ characterization techniques.The proposed research is interdisciplinary that lays at the interface of chemistry and materials science. The knowledge generated in this fellowship will greatly benefit multiple research areas e.g. catalyst design, wettability, surface science and water remediation. The technology developed in this fellowship will significantly improve the quality of life by establishing an innovative method for water purification with minimized environmental impact.This project will be delivered by the fellow, Dr. Xiaoxi Guo, with a strong expertise in water remediation particularly using advanced oxidation process (AOP), under the supervision of Dr. Yao Lu who has a strong track-record in wetting and surface science, and the mentorship of Prof. Marina Resmini that has extensive experience in coordinating EU projects and mentoring early career researchers.This fellowship will provide new expertise and training to the fellow on: 1) advanced synchrotron radiation techniques, including the use of Diamond Light Source facilities; 2) surface wettability control; 3) professional development for academics. The fellow will bring her knowledge of water treatment that will complement the project and enhance the current expertise of the host.