Regenerable materials for water purification created from functional algal polymers

Research question

This project aims to combine polymer chemistry, mesoporous structuring, and nanotechnology to meet the immediate and global need for bio-based material systems for better water quality. Algal polysaccharides will be chemically modified and hierarchically structured into affinity materials that can reversibly adsorb pollutants for use in water remediation. Biopolymers will be recovered from seaweed. The project will explore chemical modification and templating to build multi-scale pores with embedded nanostructures. Morphology and adsorption mechanisms, selectivity, kinetics, efficiency, and regeneration capacity will be studied in detail.

Sustainability aspects

Water pollution is a global problem of the highest concern. This project addresses the need for efficient water treatment materials, bio-based materials, and chemicals as well as the need to utilize biomass more efficiently. Sustainability aspects include clean water; responsible production using green chemistry and bio-based material feedstock; responsible management of waste, and substantial reduction of waste emissions; good health and well-being.