Dr. Gerardo Cabello Guzmán and his work team, from the University of Bío-Bío (UBB) develops a methodology and photochemical processes, which is the interaction of light and subject, methodologies used in Canada, Korea and Chile.
By Lorenzo Palma Morales.- The growing demand for organic dyes used in the textile and printing industry has generated significant environmental problems. The irresponsible discharge of these chemical compounds into natural water sources has been
become a major concern. Faced with this situation, Dr. Gerardo Cabello from the Bío-Bío University has committed to addressing this problem by improving photocatalysts, looking for alternatives based on light-sensitive elements, which
to break down these chemicals.
Photocatalysts are materials that can speed up chemical reactions by
light absorption. These materials have special properties that allow them to
decompose organic compounds in the presence of light, converting them into products
less harmful or even substances that are harmless to the environment.
The preparation of these materials is carried out by means of a Photochemical method, simple to
low cost and easy handling. This methodology has been applied both in Korea and in
Canada in the design of sensors and electronic devices.
In Chile, this methodology was used in the production of chemical sensors,
specifically for detecting gases. Currently, the UBB academic is
working on the creation of broadband amplifying materials used in fiber
optics. Likewise, as part of the Doctorate in Sciences program, mention Resources
Natural Renewables, photocatalysts are being developed with applications in the
environmental field. These photocatalysts, using sunlight, have the ability to
degrade contaminants present in aqueous media, such as drugs, cleaning agents,
bacterial disinfection and inks, to name a few.
In this context, the work of Dr. Gerardo Cabello from the Bío-Bío University focuses on
improve existing photocatalysts, researching and developing new materials
light-sensitive that are more efficient and sustainable. “We are dedicated to making
photocatalyst materials, which are devices that in the presence of sunlight these
they form radicals from the water and these radicals are the ones that degrade the contaminants” explained the academic.
In the synthesis of these materials, which is carried out by this method of deposition
solid phase photochemistry consisting of four stages. “We work with
metal complexes and elements of the lanthanide series, which are deposited in solution
on various substrates (silicon or quartz), by the spin coating technique that creates a homogeneous film of the metal complex, in the second step is to expose the film under
a set of UV lamps, at this stage the complex is fragmented, the metal is free and
its oxidation begins, where an oxide film is formed. The last step is to calcinate the
sample between 300 to 900 °C to complete the oxidation and achieve a crystalline deposit”,
the researcher explained.
When obtaining the sheet, it is used as a photocatalyst in the degradation of
contaminants. The use of photocatalysts is not something new, they have been used for
a long time, but this strategy has resurfaced due to the appearance of contaminants
emerging, such as drugs, drugs, antibiotics, for example, in the water, which with
help of these materials could be degraded.
Water treatment plants are not adapted to the control or treatment of these emerging contaminants since their main function is the separation between the
solid and liquid components present in the water, and subsequently the treated water is
undergoes a chlorination process to eliminate pathogens. In this context, the
academic UBB seeks to improve photocatalysts with the aim of using them in the
removal of emerging contaminants.
Doctorate
The PhD in Sciences with a Mention in Renewable Natural Resources from the Faculty of
Sciences of the University of Bío-Bío’s main objective is to train researchers
independent and excellent.
The focus is on leading research groups that contribute to the development
sustainability of our region and country, through the generation of scientific knowledge
related to the understanding, conservation and sustainable use of Natural Resources
Renewables, with special emphasis on terrestrial ecosystems.
rmation http://ciencias.ubiobio.cl/web/#/carrera-detalle/19
