Description

Contamination of aquatic environments by toxic metals (cadmium, mercury, lead, nickel, chromium, copper, zinc) represents a major environmental and public health challenge in Europe, particularly in France, where stringent regulations require industries to treat their effluents. Conventional remediation methods—such as precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, and activated carbon adsorption—have significant limitations, including high costs, low selectivity, inefficacy at low concentrations, and the generation of toxic residues.
In this context, biopolymer-based biohydrogels have emerged as a promising alternative due to their biodegradability, selectivity, and ability to efficiently adsorb heavy metals through functional groups and a hydrophilic porous structure. However, their application is constrained by poor mechanical strength, especially for natural polymers.
This project proposes an innovative approach to address these challenges by integrating materials science, polymer chemistry, and advanced data analysis. The originality lies in the design of reinforced biohydrogels using semi-interpenetrating or cross-linked polymer networks, incorporating functional fillers (graphene oxide, magnetic particles, silica) to optimize both mechanical properties and adsorption efficiency.
The research is structured around three main objectives:
1. Design and characterization of advanced biohydrogels:
Selection and functionalization of biopolymers (chitosan, alginate, etc.) based on their affinity for target metals, followed by optimization of cross-linking and reinforcement with compatible fillers or polymers. Materials will be characterized using state-of-the-art techniques (FTIR, XPS, SEM, TEM).
2. Evaluation of adsorption performance:
Controlled-environment tests to study the influence of pH, temperature, and competing ions, along with adsorption homogeneity analysis using techniques such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in collaboration with the University of A Coruña. The study will also focus on complex effluents, reflecting industrial conditions.
3. Structure-property correlation:
Analysis of rheological, morphological (AI-based image processing, U-Net neural networks), and structural (SAXS) properties to develop predictive models linking hydrogel microstructure to adsorption capacity.
The project’s originality stems from its multidisciplinary approach, combining materials development, advanced characterization, and artificial intelligence modeling. The use of neural networks for SEM image analysis and international collaboration for innovative LIBS techniques will enable a detailed understanding of adsorption mechanisms and targeted material optimization. Finally, this project aligns with the principles of the circular economy, offering sustainable and valorizable solutions for water remediation.

Skills required

This project is aimed at candidates with a strong commitment to materials science and environmental innovation, seeking to advance sustainable solutions for water remediation. The following skills and qualifications are required: - A solid academic background in physics, chemistry, or materials science, with proven experience in materials synthesis and characterization. - A demonstrated interest in data analysis, including expertise in statistics, image processing, or artificial intelligence. - Knowledge of rheology or laser spectroscopy will be considered an additional asset.

Bibliography

Abbas S.H. et al. Biosorption of heavy metals: a review. Journal of Chemical Science and Technology, 3, 4, 74-102 (2014)
Bao Z et al. Natural polymer-based hydrogels with enhanced mechanical performances: preparation, structure, and property. Adv. Heathcare Mater. 8, 1900670 (2019)
Carpa R. et al. Double-network chitosan-based hydrogels with improved mechanical, conductive, antimicrobial and antibiofouling properties. Gels, 9, 278 (2023)
Carolin CF. et al. A critical review on the sustainable approaches for the removal of toxic heavy metals from water systems. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 62, 8575-860 (2023’)
Khan M. et al. A holistic review of hydrogel applications in the adsorptive removal of aqueous pollutants: Recent progress, challenges, and perspectives. Water research, 106, 256-271 (2016).
Raji Z. et al. Adsorption of heavy metals: mechanisms, kinetics and applications of various adsorbents in wastewater remediation – a review. Waste, 1, 775-805 (2023

Keywords

hydrogels , composites , adsorption , rheology , environment, pollution