NanoCatRed
greater circularity
ApR e NanoCatRed: Novel metallic NANOparticles on NANOstructured supports for oxyanion CATalytic REDuction in water
The presence of inorganic contaminants in groundwater and surface water, at concentrations exceeding expected levels in these contexts, is associated with a wide range of public health risks.
The use of such water for human consumption therefore poses a significant risk, making it necessary to implement water treatment processes to remediate the quality of contaminated water. However, conventional water treatment methods are not effective in removing these types of pollutants.
Catalytic hydrogenation is a promising alternative technology
for the removal of oxygen-containing anionic compounds (oxyanions) from water, while simultaneously avoiding the generation of concentrated secondary effluents.
However, the activity, selectivity, and stability of this technique when applied to water treatment still require substantial advancements to ensure sufficient financial and safety advantages compared to the risks associated with introducing new technologies into conventional markets.
The project proposes the development of nanostructured catalysts capable of achieving significant improvements in the performance of catalysts for hydrogenation reactions in water.
To achieve this, the combination of innovative synthesis methods for metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) with high activity levels and the preparation of nanostructured supports designed to enhance the catalytic activity of metallic phases is suggested.
The preparation of these nanostructured supports will leverage recent advancements in methodologies for modifying the textural properties and surface chemistry of carbon nanomaterials and metal oxides, enabling increased activity of the supported metallic phases.
Real water samples will be obtained and subjected to catalytic treatment in long-term reactions, ensuring the potential for practical application in real-world scenarios.
The “Water for Reuse” (ApR) project is developed
by Águas e Energia do Porto, with support from the Portuguese Environment Agency, involving an investment of approximately 750,000 euros.
In terms of potable water savings, the city’s streets are cleaned using reused water, which already represents a saving of 1.2 million litres.
This is the first project in the northern region to use reused water for public space cleaning and will produce 1,000 cubic metres of Class A water daily, helping to conserve potable water and reserve it for consumption purposes.
Project Team
Elza Ferraz
Responsible Circular Economy Technician at AEdP
Salomé Soares
Assistant Researcher at FEUP





