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Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorinated Hydrocarbon Anion Exchange Resins for the Extraction of Perfluorinated Chemicals
We propose to design and test a continuous-flow water purification device that uses a novel fluorinated anion exchange sorbent for removal of perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) including PFOA and PFOS from drinking water. Our idea improves upon adsorption technologies such as activated carbon and anion exchange resins, which are not specific for perfluoroalkyl compounds. We have preliminary data showing the synthesis of a mixed-mode fluorinated polymer-anion exchange resin is straightforward and the ratio of fluorocarbon/anion exchange functionality can be potentially tailored. The fluorous affinity plus the anion exchange interaction should result in improved selectivity for PFCs and reduced competition by organic matter in water. Adsorption kinetic studies in both the batch and column modes are outlined. Because of the complete polymeric nature of our adsorbent, facile cleaning and long term stability permitting reuse of the material is expected. Our expected outcomes are: (1) Synthesize and characterization of fluorinated polymer- anion exchange resins (2) Build a continuous flow point-of-use water purification device and characterize binding of PFCs (3) Characterize adsorption in the presence of organic matter and (4) Demonstrate reusability of adsorption columns.
Quantum Dot Polymer for Next-gen Screens
The material is a thiol–yne nanocomposite polymer tailored to hold light-emitting quantum dots, tiny semiconductors whose size and composition can be precisely tuned to produce bright, clear, and energy-efficient colors. According to a study published by the lab’s Optical Sciences Division in March 2018, the thiol-yne polymer binds strongly to the quantum dots with a novel ligand and has a uniform distribution throughout the matrix. The material can be polymerized by ultraviolet light or thermal curing.
Collagen for enhanced tissue repair and replacement.
Injuries to tendon and ligaments are widespread, debilitating and often problematic to difficult to heal. Tendon and ligament repair is a multi-billion dollar market in need of an improved medical solution. Collagen in the main structural component of nearly all tissues in the body (tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, skin, bone, teeth). Injuries to mainly collagen-based tissues (tendons and ligaments) are notoriously difficult to heal. We are able to control the assembly of tropocollagen, a collagen precursor, into highly organized collagen structures (collagen sheets, tubes and 3D printed structures). Our method of collagen assembly results in high-density materials with high mechanical strength which is advantageous for surgical replacement and repair. Once implanted, we have developed technology to deliver tropocollagen to damaged tissues. Tropocollagen undergoes self-assembly at the site of injury to assist defect repair without the need for cells. This is particularly beneficial for tendons and ligaments that have few cells.
Shaker Shield: Seismic Hazard and Kinetic Energy Risk Reduction
Our technology is a rapidly deployable, seismic shield. Initial 3D model and fabric tests ave indicated that our patent pending design a will provide superior protection from falling debris during seismically induced structural failure events. It is based upon a urethane-based fabric (augmented with a proprietary resin) that is deployed via rip-cord initiation of a solid propellant. This technology will also offer benefits in a variety of other scenarios such as flash flood events and other natural disasters due to its inherent ability to be used as a flotation device that is durable and immediately available. Eventually may also have the potential for use in certain additional situations such as defense.
Multi-scale chemical reactor modeling
The multi-scale simulation platform combines all relevant scales for modeling chemical reactor processes in a comprehensive and user-friendly fashion. Through optimizing processes first in silico, expensive experimentation can be reduced by focusing on the most promising changes in catalyst, additives, and operating conditions. Ultimately more efficient reactors can be designed by end users in the chemical industry, who will be able to optimize their processes to reduce operational costs in terms of feed-stock and energy consumption. By saving on the environmental impact in terms of chemicals and energy during testing and implementation as well as delivering a cleaner process in the end, the societal impacts of a predictive multi-scale reactor modeling platform will be substantial.
