Functionalized Polymeric Coatings for Selective Ion Removal

Desalination processes such as reverse osmosis (RO) units are energy efficient, however they lack the capabilities to selectively remove specific ionic contaminants from their feed streams. Electrosorption separation processes are able to promote selective ion removal, but ion selectivities in current processes are limited. Here, we will develop ion selective materials with functionalities to promote ion selectivity and incorporate them into electrosorption ion removal processes. Specifically, we will study ion selective layers made of polymers functionalized with chelating groups such as sulfonic, iminodiacetic, and phosphonic acid that can target the selective removal of divalent scale forming ions such as calcium and barium. Additionally, we will synthesize and study covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with controlled pore sizes and functionalities to target the selective removal of scalants. The impact of this work will be multifold, creating a system with the capabilities to purify water for drinking water purposes while also working to efficiently clean industrial waste streams for environmental sustainability.