Grantee Research Project Results

Improving Selectivity in Metal Binding Polymers: Targeting Cesium

EPA Grant Number: U915033
Title: Improving Selectivity in Metal Binding Polymers: Targeting Cesium
Investigators: Man, Alice M.
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 1, 1996 through January 1, 1999
Project Amount: $102,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1996) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Safer Chemicals , Fellowship - Chemical Engineering

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to investigate the effect of polymer molecular structure on metal binding performance and to develop a cesium-selective polymer.

Approach:

In pursuit of a cesium -specific polymer, we have concentrated on functionalizing polymers with cobalt dicarbollide, a compound which has been shown to selectively bind cesium in solvent extraction studies. We are investigating several synthetic routes to such a polymer. To maximize cesium binding, it is desirable towe will develop routes whichthat will allow control over the hydrophobicity of the polymer, and the spacing between cobalt dicarbollide functionalities, and the polymer main chain. The synthesis schemes chosen are based on the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene-based monomers. This type of polymerization can handle a wide range of functional groups, and it achieves well-defined polymers. Carborane groups may be attached to norbornene-based monomers through a variety of intermediate functional groups such a chlorosilanes or tosylates. The resulting carborane monomers can either be converted into cobalt dicarbollide containing monomers, or can be polymerized before conversion.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, metal-binding polymers, cesium-selective polymer, cesium, cesium binding, monomers.

Progress and Final Reports:

1996

1997

Final