List All Projects List Graduate Projects List Senior Design Projects List REU Projects Other Undergraduate Projects
Project # 13
Nanocomposite Nanofiltration Membranes Incorporating Functional Nanomaterials for Enhanced PFAS Removal
| Team Lead: | Adila Sultana |
| Other Team Members: | Apoorva Yogya Mandava |
| Faculty Advisor(s): | Xiujuan Chen |
| Department: | CE |
| Project Type: | Graduate Student |
| Title: | Nanocomposite Nanofiltration Membranes Incorporating Functional Nanomaterials for Enhanced PFAS Removal |
| Abstract: | Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that challenge conventional water treatment processes due to their chemical stability and resistance to degradation. Nanofiltration (NF) membranes have demonstrated high PFAS rejection; however, membrane fouling and concentration polarization can significantly limit performance and operational stability. This work presents the development of nanocomposite NF membranes incorporating silver decorated carbon nanotubes (Ag CNTs) immobilized onto thin film composite membrane surfaces. The integration of Ag-CNT nanocomposites is designed to tailor membrane surface charge, mitigate fouling, and introduce localized catalytic functionality while preserving the integrity of the polyamide active layer. Membrane performance is evaluated through physicochemical characterization and cross flow filtration experiments under varying water chemistries and operating conditions. The proposed multifunctional membrane design offers a promising pathway toward sustainable, high efficiency PFAS removal and provides new insights into nanomaterial enabled membrane separation strategies. |
| Poster: | View Poster #13 (PDF) |
| Judges Scoring: | Submit Evaluation (judges only) |