Browsing by Author "Scaiano, Juan"

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    Light matter interactions - development of smart photoactive materials for environmental applications
    (2018-02) Scaiano, Juan; Nyokong, Tebello; Lanterna, Anabel
    The presentation provides an introduction to photochemistry and photophysical processes. Knowledge of wavelengths (colour of light) is fundamental. Fluorescence is elaborated upon as well as electron transfer. Photoctalysis and improving Photoredox Catalysis is the focus of the presentation. Solar (radiant) energy is key to renewable energy as well as the decontamination of water. If common water contaminants such as organic matter in river water can be used as ‘sacrificial electron donors’ (SEDs), then photocatalytic solar exposure could generate hydrogen while destroying pollutants, including bacterial water contaminants [see also http://hdl.handle.net/10625/58220]. Current research can be used and applied to develop smart photoactive materials.
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    Trilateral research chairs initiative : final report
    (2023) Amuhaya, Edith; Scaiano, Juan; Nyokong, Tebello
    This project set out to use light to solve environmental issues that are of high importance in Africa and beyond. In addition, the project chairs regarded high quality personnel training as a major component of the research, as the generation of skilled scientists with the knowledge, abilities, and international network to solve long-term problems. Combined, the three research groups utilized their extensive experience in the use of light to trigger photophysical or photochemical processes, which capitalize on their complementary skills in synthesis, nanotechnology and application of photochemistry to health, such as therapeutics or diagnosis, as well as to environmental issues. Following the growing interest in combining nanomaterials with photosensitizers for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) and photodegradation of pollutants in water sanitation, the aim of the project, therefore, was to link metallic and/or metal oxide nano/micro-particles to materials that could enhance their environmental performance, for example by decorating them with metal nanostructures, or with porphyrin-type complexes such as metallophthalocyanines and metalloporphyrins to create new hybrid materials for their intelligent use in environmental control. For this, new materials were synthesized and characterized, and their applications on PACT, degradation of pollutants as well as photosterilization of potable water are being explored.