During her PhD studies, Lu Bai focused on developing innovative technologies for degrading per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. This dissertation addresses the PFAS challenge by exploring light-driven techniques, valued for their sustainability and energy efficiency under mild conditions. Lu Bai examined the kinetics and degradation pathways of PFAS in a catalyst-free system under simulated solar light, evaluated the efficiency of a Bi-based bimetallic coordination photocatalyst under UV light, and investigated PFAS destruction in an alkaline solution with UV light. These new findings contribute to the understanding of PFAS degradation in aqueous environments, enhancing photoreactivity through novel catalytic approaches.

The PhD study was completed at Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Thursday, 21 November 2024 at 9:30
Place: Building 1533, room 103, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: Enhancing Photoreactivity for the Destruction of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Water
Contact information: Lu Bai, e-mail: lubai@bce.au.dk, tel.: +45 91859797
Members of the assessment committee:

• Professor Peter Jarvis, Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, UK
• Associate Professor Xenia Trier, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
• Associate Professor Bekir Engin Eser (chair), Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor:
Associate Professor Zongsu Wei, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Denmark
Co-supervisor:
Professor Zheng Guo, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Denmark
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C.