Low-Cost Hydrophobic MOFs for PFAS Abatement in Municipal Wastewater

Low cost facile route for synthesis of hydrophobic metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and application in abatement of forever chemical from municipal wastewater using tuned hollow fiber membranes

Objective

• The proposed project aims to develop a low-cost, green synthesis route for three hydrophobic Zr-based MOFs: UiO-66, UiO-66-NH2, and FJI-H7. These MOFs will be tested for their ability to adsorb various PFAS compounds, and their performance will be evaluated for scalability using TFC technology.

Description

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of man-made chemicals known for their water- and grease-resistant properties., PFAS have become essential in the production of everyday products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, etc., However, the same chemical properties that make PFAS so useful also make them incredibly persistent in the environment., These Zr-based MOFs have been shown to efficiently adsorb PFAS, including long-chain variants like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

Impact

• Availability of high performance, low cost 3-D materials having high surface characteristics for the said application., Protocol for green synthesis of 3-D structured MOF based nanoparticles., Encompassing such material in a robust framework for scale up application., Use of TFN for PFAS removal., Data driven optimization of the synthesis process as well as operating parameters for enhanced efficiency., Protocol to reuse the material after its life cycle.