Grantee Research Project Results
Development of “Smart” Polymer Nanofiber Mats for Selective andEfficient Removal of PFAS from Landfill Leachate
EPA Contract Number: 68HERD19C0016Title: Development of “Smart” Polymer Nanofiber Mats for Selective andEfficient Removal of PFAS from Landfill Leachate
Investigators: Feng, Maoqi M
Small Business: Polykala Technologies, LLC
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: May 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019
Project Amount: $99,815
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2019) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR): Phase 1 (2019) , SBIR - Water Quality
Description:
In addressing Topic 1C in this solicitation, "Innovative pretreatment technologies for PFAS in industrial wastewater", this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a novel nanofiber mats fabricated by electrospun polymer nanofibers for the "smart" (selective) removal of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from landfill leachate. The co-contaminants, low concentration, and complexity for PFAS in industrial wastewater are big hurdles for current technologies, this method will overcome the challenges and provide a unique approach for PFAS removal. The advantages of the nanofiber mats include:
1) A hybrid and synergistic PFAS removal with adsorption/membrane approach;
2) Smart and selective adsorption feature;
3) Capable of handling co-contaminants;
4) High loading flow rate;
5) Energy-efficient regenerable with PFAS recovery for further destruction.
The polymer nanofiber mats will be fabricated by electrospinning, a versatile technique for manufacturing of nanofibers, and the morphologies, surface chemistries, special properties, and functions can be modified. The target of this project is to reduce the combined PFAS concentration to below 70 ppt for wastewater treatment market, which is growing 19% annually to $11 billion until 2025. The technology is cost-effective and compatible with other treatment processes.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 3 publications for this projectProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Development of 'Smart' Polymer Nanofiber Mats for Selective and Efficient Removal of PFAS from Wastewater | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.