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   The actions of the GCC-UFPR comprise the triad of Research, Teaching and Extension. The Research focus comprehends the catalysis for reactions of great interest in biological, economic and chemical safety fields; while the focus of Teaching and Extension comprises scientific divulgation and the debate about the gender gap in Brazilian Science.

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   In the context of Chemical Safety and Sustainable Economic Development, our group seeks to develop efficient multifunctional catalysts for:

  • monitor and destroy organophosphate stocks.

  • promote hydrogen generation.

   Organophosphates (OP) are compounds related to chemical weapons and pesticides. The study of catalysts that can accelerate the degradation of these compounds and also monitor them is very relevant to guarantee people's wellfare and public safety, providing a quick response to chemical disasters, accidents (industry and terrorism), irregular use of pesticides, unwanted stocks and intoxication. In this context, the GCC has 4 different approaches to the study of OPs:

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1) Understand the mechanism of dephosphorylation reactions (OP degradation);

2) Develop nanocatalysts and sensors in the form of powder and thin films;

3) Develop catalysts from biopolymers and industrial residues, such as rice husk and gum arabic;

4) Produce simple monitoring methods, such as colorimetric sensors;

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   In another action field of GCC, the challenge is to develop simple processes for the production of hydrogen (H2): one of the most promising renewable fuels. In this research line, catalysts derived from thin films of carbon nanomaterials and metallic nanoparticles are designed for the production of H2 from sodium boron hydride - a route with great potential, but still little explored.

   In addition to the discussion on chemical safety, economic development, and the importance of these issues and science for society, the GCC also raises the debate on gender disparity in academia. In a data survey carried out by the group, it was found that women are the majority in undergraduate chemistry courses, but as the scientific career evolves towards graduate school, the number of women drops dramatically. This scenario continues with the evolution to the researcher's career and becomes more critical in leadership positions. Bringing this discussion to the scientific and general community is important to make the academic environment more equal for everyone!

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Research lines in progress:

  • Catalysis and Kinetic Studies;

  • Development of Biocatalysts;

  • Development of Sensors with Catalytic Properties;

  • Development of Catalysts from the Reuse of Industrial Waste;

  • Artificial Enzyme Design

  • Gender Disparity in Brazilian Chemistry;

  • Chemical Detoxification of Toxic Agents (War Gases, Pesticides);

  • Study of Interfacial Phenomena;

  • Mechanistic Study of Dephosphorylation Reactions;

  • Organic Physical Chemistry;

  • Hydrogen Generation;

  • Modeling of Biological Interest Systems;

  • Obtaining and Characterizing New Nanostructured and Catalytic Polymeric Materials

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