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ERIKA IVETH CEDILLO GONZALEZ
Ricercatore t.d. art. 24 c. 3 lett. A Dipartimento di Ingegneria "Enzo Ferrari"
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Pubblicazioni
2024
- Are you drowned in microplastic pollution? A brief insight on the current knowledge for early career researchers developing novel remediation strategies
[Articolo su rivista]
Nohara, Nicoly Milhardo Lourenço; Ariza-Tarazona, Maria Camila; Triboni, Eduardo Rezende; Nohara, Evandro Luís; Villarreal-Chiu, Juan Francisco; Cedillo-Gonzalez, Erika Iveth
abstract
Microplastics (MPs) composed of different polymers with various shapes, within a vast granulometric distribution (1 μm - 5 mm) and with a wide variety of physicochemical surface and bulk characteristics spiral around the globe, with different atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and terrestrial residence times, while interacting with other pollutants and biota. The challenges of microplastic pollution are related to the complex relationships between the microplastic generation mechanisms (physical, chemical, and biological), their physicochemical properties, their interactions with other pollutants and microorganisms, the changes in their properties with aging, and their small sizes that facilitate their diffusion and transportation between the air, water, land, and biota, thereby promoting their ubiquity. Early career researchers (ERCs) constitute an essential part of the scientific community committed to overcoming the challenges of microplastic pollution with their new ideas and innovative scientific perspectives for the development of remediation technologies. However, because of the enormous amount of scientific information available, it may be difficult for ERCs to determine the complexity of this environmental issue. This mini-review aims to provide a quick and updated overview of the essential insights of microplastic pollution to ERCs to help them acquire the background needed to develop highly innovative physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies, as well as valorization proposals and environmental education and awareness campaigns. Moreover, the recommendations for the development of holistic microplastic pollution remediation strategies presented here can help ERCs propose technologies considering the environmental, social, and practical dimensions of microplastic pollution while fulfilling the current government policies to manage this plastic waste.
2024
- Chapter 16: Mitigation Strategies for Microfiber Pollution
[Capitolo/Saggio]
CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH
abstract
In this chapter, an outline of the available strategies for mitigating microfiber contamination is presented. As most of the microfibers enter the environment from the washing of synthetic clothing, most mitigation strategies have mainly focused on preventing microfiber discharge from domestic and industrial washing of synthetic garments. First, efforts have been made to assess the impact of a few washing parameters that affect the discharge of microfibers, with the aim of designing washing programs with minimal discharges. Other endeavors related to washing practices incorporate devices designed to capture microfibers in domestic (in-drum or external) or industrial washing (ceramic membranes). Additional techniques for mitigating microfiber contamination incorporate modifications to the composition and structure of standard synthetic fabrics and educational and awareness campaigns. As none of these strategies are 100% efficient in preventing microfiber release, they can be complemented with conventional wastewater treatment plants that can capture microfibers that escape other mitigation strategies. The recuperated microfibers can be reused as raw materials within the building sector or in pyrolysis to generate oil, gas, and char.
2023
- Combining photocatalytic collection and degradation of microplastics using self-asymmetric Pac-Man TiO2
[Articolo su rivista]
Chattopadhyay, Purnesh; Ariza-Tarazona, Maria Camila; Cedillo Gonzalez, Erika Iveth; Siligardi, Cristina; Simmchen, Juliane
abstract
: Microplastics are a significant environmental threat and the lack of efficient removal techniques further amplifies this crisis. Photocatalytic semiconducting nanoparticles have the potential to degrade micropollutants, among them microplastics. The hydrodynamic effects leading to the propulsion of micromotors can lead to the accumulation of microplastics in close vicinity of the micromotor. Incorporating these different properties into a single photocatalytic micromotor (self-propulsion, phoretic assembly of passive colloids and photocatalytic oxidation of contaminants), we achieve a highly scalable, inherently-asymmetric Pac-Man TiO2 micromotor with the ability to actively collect and degrade microplastics. The target microplastics are homogeneous polystyrene microspheres (PS) to facilitate the optical degradation measurements. We cross-correlate the degradation with catalytic activity studies and critically evaluate the timescales required for all involved processes.
2023
- Correlating the physico-chemical properties of two conventional glazed porcelain stoneware tiles in relation to cleanability and sanitization
[Articolo su rivista]
CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH; Chierici, Paolo; Buttazzo, Marta; Siligardi, Cristina; Blasi, Elisabetta; Ardizzoni, Andrea
abstract
Keeping surfaces clean can reduce the spread of infections. In particular, to decrease the potential for SARS CoV-2 contamination, performing disinfection of high-touching surfaces. Several ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware tiles with antimicrobial properties are already available on the market. However, the widespread use of antimicrobial glazed stoneware tiles may require to replace the ceramic surfaces already present in many buildings. The unfeasibility of such replacement can be due to both product durability (lifetime of a tile is usually long) and/or monetary restrictions. Furthermore, as porcelain stoneware per se does not have antimicrobial activity, these materials are fabricated by adding chemical agents able to provide antimicrobial properties. This approach requires a compatibility between the antimicrobial agents and the glaze formulation, as well as a careful control of the firing cycle and the final properties of the ceramic products. It follows that the final cost of antimicrobial tiles is not competitive with that of conventional tiles. In the latter, the persistence of potential pathogens on the surfaces is a crucial problem to face: the longer a pathogen survives on a surface, the longer it may be a source of transmission and thus endanger susceptible subjects. In this work, bacteria's capacity to adhere and to be effectively removed from two conventional glazed porcelain stoneware tiles (under dirty and clean conditions) was investigated. Two different glazes were tested, one mainly glassy (glossy) and the other mainly crystalline (matt). The sanitization procedures were carried out by chemical and chemo-mechanical procedures. The results showed that chemo-mechanical sanitization was the most effective, and the best results could be obtained on the stoneware tiles coated with the mainly glassy glaze, with the lowest porosity and the lower roughness values and water contact angles, especially under clean conditions.
2023
- Highly reflective engobes for ink-jet printed coloured porcelain stoneware tiles (CO-2:L05)
[Articolo su rivista]
Cedillo-Gonzalez, E. I.; Governatori, M.; Siligardi, C.
abstract
Ink-jet decoration is a technology suitable for designing ceramic tiles with solar reflectance (SR) properties. SR is the ratio between the solar energy reflected by a surface and the total incident energy. If incorporated into the cities' building envelope, solar reflective tiles mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon, which makes urban centres hotter than rural areas. Even if many efforts have been conducted to develop solar reflective surfaces, little research has been conducted for the development of coloured tiles suitable to be fabricated by ink-jet technology, where the inks tend to counteract the effect of the reflective engobes. To overcome such an issue, the fabrication of solar reflective ink-jet decorated tiles using a reflective engobe was investigated. The engobe was prepared using an industrial CZAS (CaO–ZrO2–Al2O3–SiO2) frit and a ZrSiO4 pigment. The engobe prepared with such frit presented a high SR value (0.918 ± 0.002) and was able to develop ink-jet printed coloured tiles (cool colors) using both white and red porcelain stoneware supports. Overall, it was found that using high engobe thicknesses, white porcelain stoneware supports, and light colour inks allows the fabrication of cool color ink-jet printed tiles. Most of those tiles present solar reflective properties higher than those reported in previous works, even for dark inks that usually tend to counteract the effect of solar reflective engobes.
2023
- Low environmental impact remediation of microplastics: Visible-light photocatalytic degradation of PET microplastics using bio-inspired C,N-TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysts
[Articolo su rivista]
Ariza-Tarazona, Maria Camila; Siligardi, Cristina; Carreón-López, Hugo Alejandro; Valdéz-Cerda, José Enrique; Pozzi, Paolo; Kaushik, Garima; Villarreal-Chiu, Juan Francisco; Cedillo-Gonzalez, Erika Iveth
abstract
: Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles with sizes between 1 μm and 5 mm with a ubiquitous presence in aquatic ecosystems. MPs harm marine life and can cause severe health problems for humans. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that involve the in-situ generation of highly oxidant hydroxyl radicals can be an alternative to fight MPs pollution. Of all the AOPs, photocatalysis has been proven a clean technology to overcome microplastic pollution. This work proposes novel C,N-TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysts with proper visible-active properties to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs. Photocatalysis was performed in an aqueous medium and at room temperature, evaluating the influence of two pH values (pH 6 and 8). The results demonstrated that the degradation of the PET MPs by C,N-TiO2/SiO2 semiconductors is possible, achieving mass losses between 9.35 and 16.22 %.
2023
- Solar photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics: Evaluation of the applicability of the TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) composite material
[Articolo su rivista]
Guerrero-Rojas, C. A.; Villanueva-Rodríguez, M.; Guzmán-Mar, J. L.; Hernández-Ramírez, A.; Cedillo Gonzalez, E. I.; Longoria Rodríguez, F. E.; Hinojosa-Reyes, L.
abstract
For the first time, TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) photocatalysts supported on perlite mineral particles prepared by the solvothermal/microwave methods and post-annealing technique were tested in the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics (PET NPs). Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, N2 physisorption, photoluminescence emission spectroscopy, photocurrent response, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the as-prepared materials. The response surface methodology approach was used to study the effects: pH of the NPs suspension and incorporated amount of MIL-100(Fe) on the TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) catalyst to optimize the photocatalytic degradation of the PET NPs under simulated solar light. The degradation of the PET NPs was evaluated by measuring turbidity and carbonyl index (FTIR) changes. The total organic carbon (TOC) in the solution during the degradation of the PET NPs was assessed to measure NPs oxidation into water-soluble degradation by-products. The active species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of PET NPs by the TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) composite was further examined based on trapping experiments. The use of 12.5 wt% TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) catalyst showed improved photocatalytic efficacy in the oxidation of PET NPs at pH 3 under simulated sunlight compared to bare TiO2. The increase in the carbonyl index (CI = 0.99), the reduction in the turbidity ratio (0.454), and the increase in the content of TOC released (3.00 mg/L) were possible with 12.5 wt% TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) material. In contrast, the PET NPs were slowly degraded by TiO2-based photocatalysis (CI = 0.96, turbidity ratio = 0.539, released TOC = 2.12 mg/L). The mesoporous TiO2/MIL-100(Fe) composites with high specific surface area, capacity to absorb visible light, and effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole charges clearly demonstrated the enhancement of the photocatalytic performance in the PET NPs degradation under simulated solar light.
2023
- Towards a Microplastic-Free Ocean: Green Photocatalysis for Mitigation of Micro- and Nanoplastic Marine Pollution
[Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH; Siligardi, Cristina
abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs) in the ocean is one of our society's most pressing environmental issues. MPs and NPs cause health issues to the biota that consumes them and are being transferred throughout the tropic chain up to humans. Since MPs and NPs are first produced in upstream processes, reducing MPs inputs through management before introducing them to aquatic ecosystems is the best option to protect the ocean. Photocatalysis is a water treatment process that can achieve this goal. In this research, visible light photocatalysis in aqueous medium of polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs and NPs was investigated using N-TiO2, C,N-TiO2 and C,N-TiO2/SiO2. The influence of pH, temperature, MPs' size and the semiconductor's form (powders or films) on the removal process was tested. All the variables influenced degradation and photocatalysis can reach in some cases 70% of MPs removal in 50 h of reaction. This information can guide the design of photocatalytic systems that reduce MPs pollution.
2022
- Does cleanability lead to hygienic ceramic tiles? Investigation of the correlation between the cleanability of ceramic glazes and their antibacterial activity
[Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cedillo-Gonzalez, Ei; Ariza-Tarazona, Mc; Ardizzoni, A; Blasi, E; Siligardi, C
abstract
2022
- Sanitization of different pocelain stoneware tiles after bacterial contamination
[Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cedillo-Gonzalez, Ei; Ardizzoni, A; Blasi, E; Siligardi, C
abstract
2022
- Solar reflective ink-jet printed porcelain stoneware tiles as an alternative for Urban Heat Island mitigation
[Articolo su rivista]
Cedillo-Gonzalez, E. I.; Governatori, M.; Ferrari, C.; Siligardi, C.
abstract
Digital ink-jet printing is a decoration system for ceramic tiles that requires the application of engobes with high whiteness and opacity, characteristics that can be used to design solar reflective ink-jet decorated tiles. These materials can help to mitigate Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. Here, the fabrication of ink-jet printed solar reflective tiles using an engobe with high solar reflectance was investigated. Two printing modalities (binary (BIN) and grayscale (GS)), five printing intensities, and four colours were tested. It was found that some of the prepared tiles can be used for mitigating the UHI phenomenon. The solar reflective properties were mainly derived from the reflective engobe, and in some grade, from the mineral composition of the inks. The colour and roughness measurements revealed that the GS modality could prepare ink-jet decorated tiles with good solar reflective properties with a smaller quantity of inks and good soiling resistance.
2022
- Solar reflective properties of porcelain tiles for UHI mitigation: effect of highly reflective frits in the engobe's formulation
[Articolo su rivista]
Governatori, M.; Cedillo Gonzalez, E. I.; Manfredini, T.; Siligardi, Cristina
abstract
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development charts the course for transforming the world socially, economically, and environmentally by 2030. Cities represent a critical issue in this transformation: the population growth and the intense anthropogenic activity make them centers of strong environmental impact. For instance, cities have become Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) due to the significant increase in temperatures caused by pollution and heat produced by human activities. The urgency to make cities sustainable from an environmental point of view urges the search for innovative solutions to counter this phenomenon. One of those solutions is reflective tiles, as they absorb less heat and stay cooler than traditional materials and are considered an effective mitigation technique against the UHI phenomenon. This study investigated the obtaining of solar reflective ceramic tiles through the modification of the engobe's formulation. To achieve this goal, a glass-ceramic frit with high solar reflectance (SR) property (0.95) was incorporated into the formulation of a commercially available ceramic engobe. To verify whether the modified engobe can be used to prepare solar reflective cool color ceramic tiles, the tiles were decorated in quadrichromy by ink-jet printing according to the four-color CMYK color model. The Gray Scale (GS) printing system was used to investigate five different printing intensities. The results suggest that when a glass-ceramic frit with a high intrinsic SR value is incorporated into the formulation of an industrial engobe, it can raise its SR value, passing from 0.69 to 0.75. However, the productive process used to obtain ceramic tiles limits the SR values due to crystallization. It was also found that ink-jet decoration negatively affects the solar reflective property of the tiles prepared with the new engobe due to its coverage by the inks and their mineralogical composition. Thus, the results presented in this work evidence that changing the engobe's formulation is not enough to obtain ceramic tiles with high solar reflective properties.
2021
- Boosting visible-light photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene nanoplastics with immobilized CuxO obtained by anodization
[Articolo su rivista]
Acuna-Bedoya, J. D.; Luevano-Hipolito, E.; Cedillo-Gonzalez, E. I.; Dominguez-Jaimes, L. P.; Hurtado, A. M.; Hernandez-Lopez, J. M.
abstract
Plastics composed mainly of polystyrene polymer have become widely used materials in different industries. The poor disposition of these products and their interaction with the environment has caused their fragmentation into particles that reach a nanometric scale (≤1 µm), called nanoplastics (NPs), considered pollutants due to their effects on human health and capacity to absorb toxic-bioaccumulative substances. Currently, advanced oxidation processes have shown efficiency in removing emerging pollutants, making them promising alternatives to treat NPs. This study proposes photocatalytic degradation with visible light irradiation to mitigate the contamination produced by polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs). Therefore, PS particles of ~ 350 nm were degraded using immobilized copper oxide semiconductors grown by the anodizing process for the first time. The anodization process considered two growth media (NH4F and NaOH), obtaining immobilized Cu2O/CuO semiconductors with different morphologies and a bandgap between 1.6 and 2 eV. The degradation of the nanoplastics was examined using several analytical methods such as TOC, ATR-FTIR, turbidity, and gas chromatography showing the presence of intermediates compounds with the carbonyl group, confirming the degradation of PS-NPs. The results showed that photocatalysis in visible light with copper oxide semiconductors promotes polymer chain scissions and reduces the concentration of PS-NPs up to 23%, representing six times more than the reductions achieved by photolysis. In addition, mineralization of up to 15% was achieved. Although contamination by nanoplastics involves many challenges, this study provides the basis for an alternative process that allows the mitigation of these nanoplastics using visible light.
2021
- Degradation of primary nanoplastics by photocatalysis using different anodized TiO2 structures
[Articolo su rivista]
Dominguez-Jaimes, L. P.; Cedillo-Gonzalez, E. I.; Luevano-Hipolito, E.; Acuna-Bedoya, J. D.; Hernandez-Lopez, J. M.
abstract
In recent years, plastic pollution has become an environmental problem requiring urgent attention. Recently, the release of nano-sized plastics (<1 µm) into the environment has raised concern due to the possible adverse effects that their small size can have on the trophic web. Advanced oxidation processes are efficient at removing organic pollutants such as dyes and pharmaceuticals, making them a viable approach for treating these hazardous materials. This study proposes the use of photocatalysis as an alternative for removing polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) from aqueous media. A comparative study was carried out to determine the photocatalytic activity of three different TiO2 photocatalysts synthesized by anodization. Elimination and degradation were monitored by turbidimetry, TOC, FTIR, and GC/MS, and the presence of carbonyl groups and intermediate products was recorded to confirm PS-NP degradation. Statistical analysis revealed that PS-NP elimination using TiO2/T and TiO2/M as photocatalysts was more efficient than with photolysis. The results indicate that the mixed structure (nanotubes/nanograss) reduces the concentration of PS-NPs in dispersion 2 times more efficiently than photolysis with UV light does. Despite the challenges posed by nanoplastic contamination, this study provides a useful remediation approach; a technique that, to date, has received little attention.
2021
- Industry 4.0 and smart data as enablers of the circular economy in manufacturing: Product re-engineering with circular eco-design
[Articolo su rivista]
Vacchi, M.; Siligardi, C.; Cedillo-González, E. I.; Ferrari, A. M.; Settembre-Blundo, D
abstract
The digital transformation of manufacturing firms, in addition to making operations more efficient, offers important opportunities both to promote the transition to a circular economy and to experiment with new techniques for designing smarter and greener products. This study integrates Industry 4.0 technologies, smart data, Life Cycle Assessment methodology, and material microstructural analysis techniques to develop and apply a circular eco-design model that has been implemented in the Italian ceramic tile manufacturing industry. The model has been initially adopted in a simulation environment to define five different scenarios of raw material supply, alternative to the current production one. The scenarios were then validated operationally at laboratory scale and in a pilot environment, demonstrating that a proper selection of raw material transport systems significantly improves the environmental performance of the ceramic product. Both the results of the laboratory tests and of the pre-industrial experiments have demonstrated the technological feasibility of the solutions identified with circular eco-design, enabling the re-engineering of the ceramic product as the fifth of the 6Rs of the circular economy. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
2021
- Technological Sustainability or Sustainable Technology? A Multidimensional Vision of Sustainability in Manufacturing
[Articolo su rivista]
Vacchi, Marco; Siligardi, Cristina; Demaria, Fabio; CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH; González-Sánchez, Rocío; Settembre-Blundo, Davide
abstract
The topic of sustainability is becoming one of the strongest drivers of change in the market- place by transforming into an element of competitiveness and an integral part of business strategy. Particularly in the manufacturing sector, a key role is played by technological innovations that allow companies to minimize the impact of their business on the environment and contribute to enhancing the value of the societies in which they operate. Technological process can be a lever to generate sustainable behaviors, confirming how innovation and sustainability constitute an increasingly close pair. However, it emerges that the nature of this relationship is explored by researchers and con- sidered by practitioners almost exclusively in terms of the degree of sustainability of technological solutions. Lacking is an in-depth exploration of how a product or process, in addition to being environmentally and socio-economically sustainable, must or can also be technologically sustainable. This research therefore aims to build a theoretical foundation for technological sustainability seen as a possible fourth dimension of sustainable development.
2021
- The role of the reactive species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of hdpe microplastics using c,n-tio2 powders
[Articolo su rivista]
Vital-Grappin, A. D.; Ariza-Tarazona, M. C.; Luna-Hernandez, V. M.; Villarreal-Chiu, J. F.; Hernandez-Lopez, J. M.; Siligardi, C.; Cedillo-Gonzalez, E. I.
abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are distributed in a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems throughout the planet. They are known to adsorb hazardous substances and can transfer them across the trophic web. To eliminate MPs pollution in an environmentally friendly process, we propose using a photocatalytic process that can easily be implemented in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). As photocatalysis involves the formation of reactive species such as holes (h+), electrons (e−), hydroxyl (OH•), and superoxide ion (O2•−) radicals, it is imperative to determine the role of those species in the degradation process to design an effective photocatalytic system. However, for MPs, this information is limited in the literature. Therefore, we present such reactive species’ role in the degradation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs using C,N-TiO2. Tert-butanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), Tiron, and Cu(NO3)2 were confirmed as adequate OH•, h+, O2•− and e− scavengers. These results revealed for the first time that the formation of free OH• through the pathways involving the photogenerated e− plays an essential role in the MPs’ degradation. Furthermore, the degradation behaviors observed when h+ and O2•− were removed from the reaction system suggest that these species can also perform the initiating step of degradation.
2020
- First insights into photocatalytic degradation of HDPE and LDPE microplastics by a mesoporous N-TiO2 coating: Effect of size and shape of microplastics
[Articolo su rivista]
Llorente-Garcia, B. E.; Hernandez-Lopez, J. M.; Zaldivar-Cadena, A. A.; Siligardi, C.; Cedillo-Gonzalez, E. I.
abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are small plastic debris of ≤5 mm size, are polluting the oceans with negative consequences for their biota. In this work, visible-light photocatalysis of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs in aqueous medium using a mesoporous N-TiO2 coating is proposed as an alternative for fighting MP pollution. Spherical primary HDPE MPs were extracted from commercially available facial scrubs, while film-shaped secondary LDPE MPs were obtained from a plastic bag. For each plastic, two different sizes were tested. Degradation was measured by mass-loss and carbonyl-index (CI) calculation. The results obtained reveal that the photocatalytic degradation of HDPE and LDPE MPs using an N-TiO2 coating was affected by the size and shape of the MPs. Smaller MPs led to higher degradation, while film-shaped MPs led to lower degradation that was related to a poorly illuminated and oxygenated reaction medium. These results set the basis for further investigation on the on the design of more effective photocatalytic-reaction systems for decreasing MP inputs to the environment.
2020
- METALLURGICAL WASTE VALORIZATION FOR FABRICATING GLASS-CERAMICS MATERIALS
[Articolo su rivista]
CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH; Jacobo Ruiz-Valdés, Juan; Álvarez-Méndez, Anabel; Siligardi, Cristina; Lancellotti, Isabella
abstract
The valorization of a metallurgical waste (i.e., an iron-rich slag) as raw material for the fabrication of high hardness glass-ceramics using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy was investigated. The melting of the slag was aided by the addition of waste glass cullet (WGC) and the vitrification field of this system was investigated. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the parent glass with the highest slag content was studied by DTA and crystallization of the parent glasses led to of pyroxenic crystalline phases, suggesting the application of the obtained glass-ceramics as building materials. Environmental benefits such as the reduction in the consumption of virgin raw materials and the elimination or reduction of CO2 and SO2 emissions due to absence of carbonates and sulphates in the batch composition make it an interesting alternative for the application of this technology.
2020
- Microplastic pollution reduction by a carbon and nitrogen-doped TiO2: Effect of pH and temperature in the photocatalytic degradation process
[Articolo su rivista]
Ariza-Tarazona, M. C.; Villarreal-Chiu, J. F.; Hernández-López, J. M.; Siligardi, C.; Cedillo-González, E. I.
abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants formed by plastics ≤ 5 mm and are present in marine and terrestrial environments. Due to their large surface to volume ratio and chemical surface properties, MPs adsorb hazardous chemicals from their surrounding environment. When MPs are consumed by fauna, they transfer those substances through the trophic chain. An essential issue of MPs is their disposal. Due to their size, the disposal methods commonly used for plastic items are not suited for MPs. Here, photocatalysis in an aqueous medium is proposed as an alternative to fight MPs pollution. Although the photocatalysis of MPs has been reported, the effect of operating variables in the process has not been investigated. To fill this gap, the impact of pH and temperature on the degradation process of HDPE MPs was investigated using C,N-TiO2 and visible light. Degradation was followed by mass loss, carbonyl index calculation and microscopy. It was found that photocatalysis at low temperature (0 °C) increases MPs’ surface area by fragmentation, and low pH value (pH 3) favours hydroperoxide formation during photooxidation. By using the design of experiments tool, it was demonstrated that there is a combined effect of pH and temperature in the photocatalysis of HDPE
2020
- Self-cleaning TiO2 coatings for building materials: The influence of morphology and humidity in the stain removal performance
[Articolo su rivista]
Cedillo-González, E. I.; Hernández-López, J. M.; Ruiz-Valdés, J. J.; Barbieri, V.; Siligardi, C.
abstract
Similar to common building materials, TiO2 self-cleaning construction materials are exposed to the impact of humidity during their life cycle. This factor influences their photocatalytic stain removal, compromising their successful commercialization. The effect of relative humidity (RH) on the stain removal performance of porous and non-porous TiO2 self-cleaning coatings is presented. Results showed that humidity influences the hydration of clean TiO2 coatings and the photocatalytic activity due to this condition, but has less influence when a stain is already covering the coating. The porous and non-porous coatings present the best performance at RH ≥35.1% and RH = 53.4%, respectively.
2019
- Corrosion resistance of anodic layers grown on 304L stainless steel at different anodizing times and stirring speeds
[Articolo su rivista]
Dominguez-Jaimes, L. P.; Vara, M. AA.; Cedillo-Gonzalez, E. I.; Valdes, J. J. R.; De Damborenea, J. J.; Del Campo, A. C.; Rodriguez-Varela, F. J.; Alonso-Lemus, I. L.; Hernandez-Lopez, J. M.
abstract
Different chemical and physical treatments have been used to improve the properties and functionalities of steels. Anodizing is one of the most promising treatments, due to its versatility and easy industrial implementation. It allows the growth of nanoestructured oxide films with interesting properties able to be employed in different industrial sectors. The present work studies the influence of the anodizing time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min), as well as the stirring speed (0, 200, 400, and 600 rpm), on the morphology and the corrosion resistance of the anodic layers grown in 304L stainless steel. The anodic layers were characterized morphologically, compositionally, and electrochemically, in order to determine the influence of the anodization parameters on their corrosion behavior in a 0.6 mol L-1 NaCl solution. The results show that at 45 and 60 min anodizing times, the formation of two microstructures is favored, associated with the collapse of the nanoporous structures at the metal-oxide interphace. However, both the stirring speed and the anodizing time have a negligeable effect on the corrosion behavior of the anodized 304L SS samples, since their electrochemical values are similar to those of the non-anodized ones.
2019
- New strategy for microplastic degradation: Green photocatalysis using a protein-based porous N-TiO2 semiconductor
[Articolo su rivista]
Ariza-Tarazona, M. C.; Villarreal-Chiu, J. F.; Barbieri, Virginia; Siligardi, Cristina; CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH
abstract
Currently, the global community considers microplastics as a marine pollutant of emerging concern. To mitigate
the oceanic microplastic pollution, it is necessary to reduce inputs from inland. In this sense, we present the first
report on the use of photocatalysis for the degradation of HDPE microplastics extracted from a commercially
available facial scrub. This was achieved by using two proposed semiconductors based on N-TiO2. One was green
synthesized using the extrapallial fluid of fresh blue mussels, which presented an excellent capacity to promote
photocatalytic degradation in solid and aqueous environments; while the second photocatalyst, obtained from a
conventional sol-gel synthesis, presented good capacity to promote mass loss of the as-extracted microplastics in
an aqueous environment. Mass losses, SEM and FTIR analysis confirmed HDPE degradation. Results showed that
environmental conditions, microplastics/N-TiO2 interaction and the N-TiO2 surface area should be carefully set and
monitored in order of avoiding the arrest of photocatalysis
2019
- WRITING EFFECTIVE ENGINEERING RESEARCH PAPERS: A BRIEF GUIDE FOR NEW WRITERS
[Articolo su rivista]
GUZMAN VALDIVIA, CESAR HUMBERTO; CARRERA ESCOBEDO, JOSE LUIS; BLANCO ORTEGA, Andres; CELAYA PADILLA, Jose; GOMEZ BECERRA, FABIO ABELGO; CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA I.
abstract
Publishing engineering research papers not only can facilitate funding but can also boost academic promotion. When researchers apply for an academic position or a new job, they must demonstrate their productivity based on the number and quality of their published articles. However, writing engineering research papers is a difficult and daunting task, especially for beginners. Many books and articles explain and provide guidelines on how scientific papers should be written, organized, and structured, including those that explain techniques to avoid imperfections and those that provide instructions for submission and publishing. However, they rarely provide unwritten rules for achieving success in the field of engineering. The aim of this paper is to focus on simple suggestions, useful tips, and unwritten rules for writing engineering research papers. This article provides a brief guide for new writers.
2018
- Below room temperature:how the photocatalytic activity of dense and mesoporous TiO2 coatings is affectes"
[Articolo su rivista]
Cedillo Gonzalez, E. I.; Ricco', Rossella; Costacurta, S.; Siligardi, C.; Falcaro, P.
abstract
Different parameters such as morphology, porosity, crystalline phase or doping agents affect the self-cleaning performance of photocatalytic TiO2-based coatings. However, also environmental conditions have been found to play a major role on the photocatalytic self-cleaning property. Substrate temperature is a significant environmental variable that can drastically affect this process. This variable becomes of great importance especially for outdoor applications: many self-cleaning photocatalytic materials have been designed to be exposed to outdoor environments and consequently, can be exposed to variable temperatures depending on the season of the year and the typical weather of the geographical zone. Thus, understanding the influence of the most common outdoor temperatures on the self-cleaning performance of TiO2-based coatings is essential for the fabrication of any kind of photocatalytic self-cleaning materials (fabricated by coating technology) that is expected to be subjected to outdoor environments. In this work, the photocatalytic activity was studied by Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy varying the temperature in the 0 to 30 °C range for dense and mesoporous TiO2 coatings. The temperature conditions at which these coatings present better performances were identified, providing a deeper insight for the practical application of TiO2-based self-cleaning coatings. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.
2018
- Influence of domestic and environmental weathering in the self-cleaning
performance and durability of TiO2 photocatalytic coatings
[Articolo su rivista]
CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH; Barbieri, Virginia; Paolo, Falcaro; Torres-Martínez, Leticia M.; Isaías, Juárez-Ramírez; Laura, Villanova; Montecchi, Monica; Pasquali, Luca; Siligardi, Cristina
abstract
Weathering of photocatalytic TiO2 coatings represents an important issue for the successful application of TiO2-
based self-cleaning materials. Photocatalytic efficiency of the as-prepared materials is crucial for commercialization;
however, changes in the coating performance due to weathering become a critical factor for practical
applications. Moreover, chemical durability should be considered as weathering can promote the release of
photocatalyst nanoparticles, which can pollute the environment and be hazardous for human health. In this
study, two photocatalytic TiO2 coatings with different microstructures (namely compact and mesoporous) were
exposed to chemical treatments to simulate domestic and environmental weathering. Results show that dense
TiO2 coatings with a slow photocatalytic activity are suitable for domestic applications as minimum leaching of
photoactive material was observed. Conversely, once exposed to chemical solutions commonly present in domestic
environments, the initially highly active mesoporous TiO2 coatings showed a dramatic drop of the selfcleaning
performance and a significant release of nanoparticles in the surrounding environment. It is expected
that the results reported here will be of particular relevance for the construction sector, as the manuscript
discloses important knowledge for the development of TiO2-based self-cleaning materials once exposed to indoor
or outdoor environments.
2018
- Silica coating for interphase bond enhancement of carbon and AR-glass Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM)
[Articolo su rivista]
Signorini, C.; Nobili, A.; Cedillo González, E. I.; Siligardi, C.
abstract
In this paper, we investigate the effect of silica nano-coating for interphase bond enhancement on the mechanical performance of Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) composite materials aimed at structural rehabilitation and strengthening. Alkali-resistant glass (ARG) and carbon fabric reinforcements are preliminarily treated via sol-gel deposition of SiO2coating to promote bond formation capability with the mortar matrix. Optical and electron microscopy provide evidence of interphase bond enhancement. Mechanical performance is assessed both in traction, through uni-axial elongation of prismatic coupons, and in flexure, by three-point bending of laminated masonry bricks. Results are given in terms of mean strength curves, ultimate and design strength and strain values, cracked and uncracked moduli, mean crack spacing, mean crack width and energy dissipation. It is shown that mean absolute performance of silica coating offers a significant improvement over uncoated fabric, yet it is inferior to that of specimens which have been treated with a liquid partially-organic adhesion promoter (polymer coating). However, when design values are considered which incorporate the dispersion of experimental data, silica coating proves superior or at least equivalent to polymer coating, respectively for carbon and ARG fabric. These promising results describe the first application of silica nano-coating to fabric reinforced composite materials.
2017
- Assessment of environmental performance of TiO2 nanoparticles coated self-cleaning float glass
[Articolo su rivista]
Pini, Martina; Cedillo González, Erika; Neri, Paolo; Siligardi, Cristina; Ferrari, Anna Maria
abstract
In recent years, superhydrophilic and photocatalytic self-cleaning nanocoatings have been widely used in the easy-to-clean surfaces field. In the building sector, self-cleaning glasses were one of the first nanocoating applications. These products are based on the photocatalytic property of a thin layer of TiO2 nanoparticles deposited on the surface of any kind of common glass. When exposed to UV radiation, TiO2 nanoparticles react with the oxygen and water molecules adsorbed on their surface to produce radicals leading to oxidative species. These species are able to reduce or even eliminate airborne pollutants and organic substances deposited on the material’s surface. To date, TiO2 nanoparticles benefits are substantiated, however, their ecological and human health risk is still under analysis. The present work studies the ecodesign of industrial scale up of TiO2 nanoparticles self-cleaning coated float glass production performed by LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodology and applies new human toxicity indicators into the impact assessment stage. Production, in particular the TiO2 nanoparticles application, is the life cycle phase that mainly contributes to the total damage. In according with ecodesign approach, the production choices carried out have led to optimize the environmental burdens.
2016
- Evaluation of the correlations between temperature, humidity, incident UV light and the photocatalytic activity of TiO2films using a rationale approach
[Articolo su rivista]
CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH; Mugoni, Consuelo; Montorsi, Monia; Siligardi, Cristina
abstract
The effect of temperature, humidity and incident UV light on the photocatalytic activity of two TiO2filmswith different microstructures (dense and mesoporous) was explored in terms of stearic acid degradation.Previous works reported in the literature suggest that the activity of TiO2films does not only depend onsingle factors but also on interactions between them. Hence, the design of experiments (DoE) approachwas used in this work to plan the experiments in a systematic way, simultaneously considering severalvariables. This approach provided an efficient working strategy to explore both individual and interactioneffects on the photocatalytic activity of the films. The statistical evidence found here revealed that singlefactors temperature and mesoporous microstructure have the strongest positive effect on the efficiencyof the films. In the case of temperature, this was explained by easier degradation and/or desorption ofreaction intermediates. On the other hand, the positive effect of the mesoporous microstructure wascorrelated with its large surface area. An interaction factor between temperature and incident UV lightalso affects the activity of the films. Results suggest that this phenomenon depends of the degree of filmhydration before the deposition of SA.
2014
- Self-cleaning glass prepared from a commercial TiO2 nano-dispersion and its photocatalytic performance under common anthropogenic and atmospheric factors
[Articolo su rivista]
Erika Iveth Cedillo, González; Raffaele, Ricco; Montorsi, Monia; Mauro, Montorsi; Paolo, Falcaro; Siligardi, Cristina
abstract
Nowadays, a wide range of self-cleaning building materials or colloidal solutions for the fabrication of photocalytic coatings are already commercially available. However, some practical limitations still restrict their widespread use in the building sector. For example, in normal household conditions, photocatalytic building materials are exposed to factors that can compromise their efficiency or promote the release of nanoparticles to the environment. In addition, most of the building materials are commonly exposed to atmospheric variables that may greatly differ depending on the geographical zone or the season of the year. In this work, TiO2 films prepared from a commercially available dispersion of nanoparticles were deposited over soda-lime glass substrates. The effects of (i) NaCl residues from the TiO2 nano-dispersion; (ii) treatment with model solutions that simulate the environmental and domestic weathering; (iii) the relative humidity and (iv) the substrate temperature on the photocatalytic activity versus stearic acid were evaluated. The obtained results indicate that these films are more efficient in environments with low humidity levels and relatively high temperatures. Therefore, their commercialization in dry and hot geographic zones would enable the best performance. Furthermore, it was found that these materials can be applied in houses without appreciable loss of efficiency, due to weathering from common cleaning agents or atmospheric factors, like rain or acid rain.
2013
- Analisi LCA di un vetro float autopulente funzionalizzato con nanoTiO2
[Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Pini, Martina; CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH; Marinelli, Simona; Paolo, Neri; Siligardi, Cristina; Ferrari, Anna Maria
abstract
Negli ultimi anni è aumentato l’impiego di nanoTiO2 grazie alle proprietà chimiche e fisiche che la
caratterizzano, quali il forte potere ossidante, l’iperidrofilicità e le proprietà antibatteriche che la rendono
particolarmente interessante per la preparazione di materiali nanocompositi con caratteristiche autopulenti,
antiappannamento ed antibatteriche. Il vetro autopulente rappresenta una delle principali applicazioni in
ambito edile/architettonico di materiali funzionalizzati con nanoTiO2. Quando il vetro viene colpito da raggi
UV, la nanoTiO2 viene attivata generando, grazie al fenomeno della fotocatalisi, la riduzione della maggior
parte dei contaminanti presenti nell'aria e/o depositati sulla superficie del materiale. Il presente studio
riguarda l’ecodesign, eseguito attraverso la metodologia LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), della realizzazione
su scala industriale di un vetro float autopulente partendo da dati di laboratorio.
2013
- Improvement of the adhesion between TiO2 nanofilm and
glass substrate by roughness modifications
[Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
CEDILLO GONZALEZ, ERIKA IVETH; Montorsi, Monia; Mugoni, Consuelo; Montorsi, Mauro; Siligardi, Cristina
abstract
An increase of the adhesion between soda-lime glass substrate and TiO2 nanofilm was achieved by roughness
modifications, treating the glass surface with acid or basic solutions. The study was organised through a D-optimal
experimental design. The roughness (measured by AFM) and the weight loss were statistically analysed using
MODDE 9.0 software. Subsequently, the correlation between the surface roughness and the adhesion (measured by
scratch test) of the films was studied. The statistic analysis of the results indicates how the chemical treatments
modify the roughness of the glasses and it was found that smooth surfaces enhance the adhesion of the films.
2013
- Life cycle assessment of nanoTiO2 coated self-cleaning float glass
[Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Pini, Martina; E. I., Cedillo González; P., Neri; Siligardi, Cristina; Ferrari, Anna Maria
abstract
In recent years superhydrophilic and photocatalytic selfcleaning
coatings have been used mainly in easy-to-clean
surfaces field. Self-cleaning glasses are one of the first
building nanocoating applications. These products are
based on the photocatalytic property of a thin layer of TiO2
deposited at the surface of the glass. When exposed to UVA
radiation, TiO2 reacts with the oxygen and water molecules
present in the atmosphere to produce free radicals leading
to oxidative species. These species are able to reduce the
concentrations of airborne pollutants and organic
substances deposited on the materials surface. The present
study concerns the ecodesign of industrial scale up of
nanoTiO2 self-cleaning coated float glass production
performed by LCA (life Cycle Assessment) methodology.
This work is a part of a regional Italian project named
“ARACNE”. The main aim of this project is to study and
ecodesign eco-friendly building materials with higher
technological properties.
2013
- Thermal dehydroxylation of kaolinite from an industrial kaolin: insights from IR autocorrelation spectrum
[Articolo su rivista]
E., Gasparini; S. C., Tarantino; P., Ghigna; M. P., Riccardi; Cedillo Conzalez, E. I.; Siligardi, Cristina; M., Zema
abstract
The dehydroxylation reaction of kaolinite from the industrial kaolin Sl-K (Germany) has been studied by thermal
analyses (TG, DTA) and ex situ annealing experiments. Heating experiments were performed at 450, 500, 550
and 600 °C. At each working temperature, different heating times were used in order to follow the evolution
of the dehydroxylation process with time until completion of the reaction. Every heating run was performed
on a new batch of sample, which was weighted before and after the heat-treatment. At the end of the heating
run, each sample was characterised by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and FT-infrared attenuated total
reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). The dehydroxylation process was followed by monitoring the gradual
mass loss and the corresponding decrease in intensity of the most significant peaks both in the diffraction
patterns (disappearing of kaolinite peaks) and in the FTIR-ATR spectra (disappearing and changes in OH
and SiOAl bands), as determined by peak-profile and autocorrelation analyses. A kinetic analysis was
performed using the Avrami method on the basis of sample mass loss and changes in the intensities of
XRPD and FTIR-ATR peaks under isothermal conditions. Two temperature regimes are found, with only
the data in range 500–600 °C being isokinetic. The activation energy values obtained in this temperature
range on the basis of the three measured parameters are comparable and are between 127 and
139 kJ mol−1.