Scholar Biography

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Scholar Biography

Victoria Porley

Water Purification in Rural India using Sunlight and Low-Cost Materials

Project Dates: 1 October 2018 - 30 September 2021
Viva Date:23 September 2022

Victoria’s PhD research as part of the Hydro Nation Scholars programme focuses on the development of low-cost, sunlight-activated semiconductor materials for use in water treatment. These materials are known as photocatalysts, and are not used up in the reaction process, providing a less chemically intensive option than some alternate methods used to remove chemical and pathogenic contaminants in water. She is based at The University of Edinburgh under the supervision of Prof. Neil Robertson (department of Chemistry) and Dr. Efthalia Chatzisymeon (department of Environmental Engineering) working towards development and thorough testing of novel photocatalytic systems.

In particular, her research focuses on the specific application of water treatment in rural areas, working with partners at the Indian Institute of Technology Khargpur, to understand how best to widen access to safe drinking water for communities without a dependable centralised treatment supply. This research aims to contribute to ongoing work in the progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 – clean water and sanitation for all – by understanding the factors contributing to the global water crisis and how to mitigate them with appropriate treatment methods.

To view Victoria's latest knowledge exchange outputs please use the relevant links below: