From wastewater treatment and the recovery of industrial waste to downstream processing in the metal recycling chain, scientists at the Hubert Curien Multidisciplinary Institute (IPHC) are working to address the challenges of sustainable development. On the occasion of the presentation of the “Les espoirs de l’Université de Strasbourg” science award to Caroline Bertagnolli, a member of the institute, we take a look back at the cutting-edge work of these scientists.
In 2023, Caroline Bertagnolli, a researcher on the Recognition and Molecular Separation Processes (RePSeM) team led by Professor Barbara Ernst, was awarded the “Rising Stars of the University of Strasbourg” scientific prize in recognition of her work focused on the recovery of strategic and toxic metals present in various effluents. “We use solids, such as functionalized mesoporous silica or polymer foam coated with a bio-based polyphenolic film, to recover toxic metals through adsorption as part of a pollution control effort, or strategic metals for recycling,” explains Caroline Bertagnolli. In line with the principles of the circular economy, the scientists are seeking to develop a reversible process using materials that can be reused over multiple cycles and are designed to capture trace metals.
Adsorption column with silica-based beads for the recovery of platinum group metals.
Credit: Nicolas Busser
Barbara Ernst (left), Caroline Bertagnolli (center), and Anne Boos (right), from the Molecular Separation Methods and Characterization (RePSeM) team. Photo by Nicolas Busser
This research is conducted in the RePSeM laboratories, which aim to address the major challenges of sustainable development in two main areas: the complexation and extraction of strategic and heavy metals, and the development of membrane and bioproduction technologies capable of recovering value from industrial effluents. “We have expertise in process engineering and physical chemistry. We have diverse expertise in the complexation and extraction of metals, the analysis of trace elements in the environment, and processes intensified by coupling separation with bioreactions,” comments Barbara Ernst.
More specifically, part of the RePSeM team is harnessing the ability of ligands derived from plant cell cultures to trap toxic metals. Once extracted, these ligands are immobilized on a support to create innovative adsorbents. “Our work truly lies at the interface between fundamental physical chemistry—in terms of complexation and adsorption—and practical application, with the goal of providing demonstrators and proofs of concept to industry. The challenge lies in conducting research while simultaneously addressing the issue of scaling up the process. We need to stay ahead of the curve to develop the processes of tomorrow,” adds the team leader.
In the area of membrane processes, researchers are already using a semi-pilot system with a capacity of about 10 liters to treat wastewater from the brewing industry as part of a CIFRE thesis. Collaboration with the production line allows this laboratory to refine these processes so that they can be scaled up for industrial use. “It’s in our best interest to test our adsorption solids under real-world conditions. This helps us better understand how our materials work, verify their recyclability, and also adapt our research to address problems we hadn’t previously considered. The idea is to engage in a back-and-forth dialogue with partners in order to develop materials and technologies,” concludes Caroline Bertagnolli, who is always on the lookout for industrial partners.
Position: Assistant Professor at the Louis Pasteur University Institute of Technology (IUT) and the Hubert Curien Multidisciplinary Institute (IPHC) in Strasbourg, RePSeM research team
Research Topic: Development of adsorption processes for the treatment of effluents containing metals
Awards:
2023: Winner of the “Les espoirs de l’Université de Strasbourg” scientific award
Learn more about the “University of Strasbourg Rising Stars” science awards: https://savoirs.unistra.fr/talents/prix-espoirs-2023-six-chercheurs-a-lhonneur
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