Welcome to WaPoDe, multidisciplinary scientific project that will develop materials applicable for electrochemical detection of some of the most frequent pollutants in water. Our vision is to participate in the protection of water resources and living beings.
 

Detection and monitoring of various pollutants in water is one of the key aspects in attaining UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, to ensure water for all by 2030. Electrochemical sensors (ECS) have advantages over traditional analytical methods, which lead to their pronounced use for detection and monitoring of chemical agents in water. However, important performances of ECS as selectivity, sensitivity, response time and portability, still need improvement.
 

Our team focuses on ZnO-modified materials which can be used to improve ECS for detection and monitoring of four different pharmaceutical and one pesticide pollutant in water.
 

WaPoDe employs surface-to-bulk (S-to-B) defects ratio to improve selectivity, sensitivity and response time of ZnO-based nanoparticles as ECS for Diclofenac, Tetracycline, Doxorubicin, Fluoxetine and Chlorpyrifos. We use XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, Raman, FTIR, XPS, UV-Vis DRS and PL spectroscopy to study properties of synthetized ZnO-based nanoparticles. We apply a variety of electrochemical techniques to test electrochemical activity of modified electrodes. One of our goals is to correlate S-to-B defects ratio in the nanoparticles with their electrochemical activity. Theoretical modeling helps us to comprehend the mechanism of pollutants molecule interaction with materials surfaces allowing further improvement of response time.

WaPoDe will have impact on:
1) transformation of local economy by promoting new technologies through communication, dissemination and implementation of our results,
2) building human capacity for the high-tech companies by training young researchers, and
3) increasing environmental awareness in society.
 

Expected results of WaPoDe include two PhD thesis and prototype of highly sensitive and selective electrodes with a fast response.

Take a look and explore our project. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, or would like to collaborate with us.