Project Overview

This project focuses on developing advanced photocatalytic materials by immobilizing high-surface-area ZnO nanorods onto biodegradable lignocellulose nanofibers, which are derived from hemp hurd—a sustainable by-product of the hemp fiber industry. Ag and CuO will be deposited onto the ZnO nanorods to improve charge separation and increase sunlight absorption, thereby optimizing photocatalytic efficiency. By utilizing low-cost, renewable materials and optimizing photocatalytic performance under natural sunlight, this research aims to make the technology economically viable for large-scale applications, particularly in the degradation of naphthenic acids in oil sands process water.