Project
The Challenge
Emerging pollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and persistent organochloride pollutants (POCPs), represent one of today's major environmental challenges. Their exceptional chemical stability hinders their removal using conventional treatment technologies and promotes their persistence in water and ecosystems.
Many of these compounds contain highly stable carbon-halogen bonds, making their degradation extremely difficult and contributing to their long-term accumulation in the environment.
Scientific and Technological Objective
HALZEOCAT-CM aims to develop advanced functionalized zeolitic materials capable of promoting the efficient degradation of persistent halogenated pollutants through sustainable catalytic processes.
The project combines:
- rational design of ultraporous zeolites,
- functionalization of catalytic materials,
- and evaluation of degradation processes in aqueous media,
with the goal of advancing more efficient and environmentally safe technologies for the treatment of contaminated water.
An Approach Based on Ultraporous Zeolites
The project explores a new generation of ultraporous zeolites that have been recently developed and remain largely unexplored for catalytic degradation of persistent pollutants.
These materials exhibit highly promising properties for facilitating the diffusion and transformation of large molecules, opening new opportunities for the treatment of PFAS and other persistent contaminants.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
HALZEOCAT-CM brings together expertise in:
- porous material synthesis,
- advanced characterization techniques,
- heterogeneous catalysis,
- advanced oxidation processes,
- and reaction engineering.
The collaboration between the Madrid Institute of Materials Science (ICMM-CSIC) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid provides a complementary approach that combines advanced materials development with catalytic performance evaluation.