Grantee Research Project Results
2024 Progress Report: Cellulose-Metal Organic Frameworks Hybrid Adsorbent for PFAS Removal from Water
EPA Grant Number: SU840871Title: Cellulose-Metal Organic Frameworks Hybrid Adsorbent for PFAS Removal from Water
Investigators: Li, Mi
Institution: University of Tennessee -Knoxville
EPA Project Officer: Cunniff, Sydney
Phase: I
Project Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
Project Period Covered by this Report: January 1, 2024 through December 31,2024
Project Amount: $75,000
RFA: 20th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2023) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , PFAS Treatment , Urban Air Toxics
Objective:
Together we will achieve three objectives in this project— Objective 1: Synthesize nanocellulose-templated metal organic frameworks (Cello-MOFs) hybrid sorbents (completed in this period); Objective 2: Achieve efficient long-chain and short-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) adsorption using Cello-MOFs; and Objective 3: Demonstrate efficient aquatic PFAS removal using Cello-MOFs packed column.
Progress Summary:
In this period, we have investigated the feasibility of sulfonated cellulose nanofibrils (SCNF) as a biopolymer template to hybridize MOFs. SCNF was synthesized through periodate oxidation followed by bisulfite sulfonation. The sulfonate groups increased electronegativity and enhanced the dispersibility of the cellulose fibers. More importantly, the negatively charged sulfonates could serve as anchors for metal ions to initiate the in situ growth of MOFs along the surface of cellulose fibers. We have achieved the synthesis of three types of SCNF/MOF hybrids, namely, SCNF/ZIF-8, SCNF/ZIF-67, and SCNF/ HKUST-1. These hybrids can be formed as free-standing aerogels, exhibiting remarkably high surface areas and flexibility for applications. The assessment of the adsorptive efficiency of the SCNF/ZIF-8 hybrid indicates that the hybrid material exhibited a notably higher adsorption capacity for methylene blue versus the SCNF control. Computational calculation provides further insights into the underlying adsorption mechanisms, revealing that the sulfonates on the SCNF and the nitrogen atoms in the ZIF-8 ligands primarily contributed to the affinity for methylene blue. SCNF offers a versatile and robust biopolymer substrate for templating a wide array of MOFs with promising applications as adsorbents and beyond.
Future Activities:
- Coupling nanocellulose with NU-1000 MOF into adsorbents specific for PFAS adsorption
- Assess the adsorption performance of the cellulose-MOF adsorbents against PFASs
Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 7 publications | 1 publications in selected types | All 1 journal articles |
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Zhang K, Hutcherson W, Evans ND, Elder T, Garner CM, Li M. In situ synthesis of metal-organic frameworks on sulfonated cellulose nanofibrils. Solid State Sciences. 2024 Dec 1;158:107755. |
SU840871 (2024) |
not available |
Supplemental Keywords:
nanocellulose, sulfonated cellulose, pollutant treatment, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, perfluoroalkyl sulfonates
Relevant Websites:
Press Briefing: "UT School of Natural Resources team receives grant to remove 'forever chemicals' from water" Exit
The 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.