Category
Applied
Description
This study aims to progress the synthesis of novel fluorinated polymers to detect poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment. PFAS are released into the atmosphere as a result of industrial processes and consumer production, and are persistent in the environment. Bioaccumulation in animals and humans occurs through exposure via air, water, and soil, and leads to toxic health effects. Due to their resistance to environmental degradation, alternate methods are needed to detect and remove PFAS from the environment. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymers that are designed with regions that bind to specific molecules. They have shown promising results in detection and absorption of PFAS from the environment, particularly from liquid-based systems. Fluorinated MIPs (fMIPs) have been suspected to bind to PFAS well due to similar intermolecular forces, but research is limited concerning successful syntheses of fMIPs. This study, which intends to help fill that research gap, will be carried out as a series of reactions building on previous work done by the Hobson research team. The reactions will consist of standard organic synthesis reaction and work-up methods, and analysis will be performed through TLC, IR, and NMR. The goal of this study is to produce a novel fMIP that can bind to PFAS to allow detection for eventual removal from aqueous systems. Future directions include production of additional fMIPs and upscaling production of such fMIPs for practical environmental use.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Sensitive and Selective Binding of PFOA
Applied
This study aims to progress the synthesis of novel fluorinated polymers to detect poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment. PFAS are released into the atmosphere as a result of industrial processes and consumer production, and are persistent in the environment. Bioaccumulation in animals and humans occurs through exposure via air, water, and soil, and leads to toxic health effects. Due to their resistance to environmental degradation, alternate methods are needed to detect and remove PFAS from the environment. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymers that are designed with regions that bind to specific molecules. They have shown promising results in detection and absorption of PFAS from the environment, particularly from liquid-based systems. Fluorinated MIPs (fMIPs) have been suspected to bind to PFAS well due to similar intermolecular forces, but research is limited concerning successful syntheses of fMIPs. This study, which intends to help fill that research gap, will be carried out as a series of reactions building on previous work done by the Hobson research team. The reactions will consist of standard organic synthesis reaction and work-up methods, and analysis will be performed through TLC, IR, and NMR. The goal of this study is to produce a novel fMIP that can bind to PFAS to allow detection for eventual removal from aqueous systems. Future directions include production of additional fMIPs and upscaling production of such fMIPs for practical environmental use.
