Dr. Sanda Andrada Maicaneanu
Sanda Andrada Maicaneanu, a distinguished chemist from the Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics, recently made significant contributions to academic research through the publication of three peer-reviewed articles. Her innovative work, in collaboration with international researchers, explores the unique adsorptive and ion-exchange properties of natural materials such as clays and zeolites, highlighting their potential for real-world applications in environmental science and electrochemistry.
The research addresses global challenges, including water purification and electrochemical sensing, by leveraging the properties of low-cost, naturally available materials. Each of the three studies offers novel insights with implications across environmental, medical, and industrial fields.
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“Low-Cost Carbon Paste Cu(II)-Exchanged Zeolite Amperometric Sensor for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection”. Published in Chemosensors, this study presents a cost-effective sensor using Cu(II)-exchanged zeolitic volcanic tuff for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The work suggests practical applications in environmental monitoring, food safety, and healthcare.
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“Assessment of the Crystallochemical Properties of Natural and Modified Clays in Organic Matter Removal During the Water Treatment Process”. Published in Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, this paper investigates the effectiveness of natural and chemically modified clays in removing organic matter from water, contributing to advances in sustainable water treatment technologies.
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“Equilibrium, Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Palm Oil β-Carotene Adsorption by Silica-Smectite-Based Composites”. Featured in Chemistry Africa, this study explores the adsorption of β-carotene from palm oil using silica-smectite composites, offering insight into the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms involved.
The third paper was co-authored with Jacques Njimou, a former Fulbright scholar at IUP. Njimou’s ongoing collaboration with IUP has proven to be a fruitful partnership, advancing research in materials and environmental science.