Modification of the surface properties of alumosilicates by grafting molecules carrying several active functional groups

Abstract

The presence of pollutants in the environment, food, drinking water and other compounds in direct or indirect contact with humans, fauna and flora constitutes a major problem. The capture and/or decomposition of pollutants without producing traces of residual toxins is very actual trend. An interesting approach for decontamination and/or pollution prevention lies in the use of natural, non-toxic, recyclable materials for new processes of reversible retention of pollutants and toxins. This approach also calls for more ecological processes of synthesis and modification of materials that do not use or produce potential pollutants - aluminosilicates (AS) of natural origin. By grafting different molecules carrying various chemical functions to the surface of an AS, it is possible to broaden the spectrum of interactions, essentially acid-base, with the surrounding fluids. This innovative concept opens the way to a wide range of possible applications ranging from the reversible capture of pollutants, to the oxidative or reductive decomposition of various toxins such as antibiotics, drugs, pesticides, phthalates, hormonal regulating agents, to the elimination of inhibitory agents and toxins in food technologies.