Novel nanocarbon-based materials for in-depth and efficient gas decontamination through combined solid-state reaction, heterogeneous catalysis and adsorption paths

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The undesired production of toxic gaseous compounds, such as sulphur oxides (SOx), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and nitrous oxides (NOx), is of vital concern to many industries. These chemical contaminants have serious negative environmental and health impacts. They can also have non-negligible adverse effects on the efficiency of the industrial processes themselves. Despite the variety of technologies existing to decrease their production and emission, these technologies cannot be successfully applied in all contexts. Furthermore, emission standards are becoming more stringent. New technologies are urgently needed to efficiently meet allowable concentration levels. The main objective of this research program is to develop efficient multifunctional materials for the removal of SOx, H2S and NOx from gaseous streams. Because the chemical composition of the gas to be treated and the operating temperature vary widely from one process to another, technological solutions have to be well adapted to the specific process. Therefore, we will develop multifunctional materials that exhibit versatility for a range of processes and effectiveness for more than one pollutant at a time. The materials will perform the capture process through solid-state reaction, heterogeneous catalysis and/or adsorption. They will be polyvalent under various operating conditions and process applications as well as having enhanced efficiency. Based on my prior work, the approach will be to functionalize carbon-based supports with metallic nanoparticles. The supports that will first be targeted are carbon nanofibers and cellulose nanofibers, as well as graphene oxide. These supports have the advantage, among others, of having a large external surface area and surface functionalities that can participate, and even play a key role, in the reaction and removal of gaseous contaminants. The metals will be selected for their catalytic ability as well as their role in the conversion of the contaminants by a solid-state reaction. To obtain and optimize efficient novel nanocarbon-based multifunctional materials for contaminant capture, the strategy will be to couple material characterization with the process analysis, especially through in situ characterization of the material and of surface species during the capture studies. This will facilitate the understanding of the capture mechanisms as well as the structural changes of the materials. This research program will train highly qualified personnel to conduct research leading to solutions for pressing environmental challenges. Governments are currently investing significant resources into environmentally sustainable practices. Developing technologies to emit fewer pollutants and to decrease pollutant emissions are currently of paramount importance. Novel materials for both emerging and established processes can be part of the solution to respond to these environmental challenges.