COVALENT LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: 15a

Description

With the expanding use of desalination and wastewater remediation to meet the nation’s fundamental water requirements, the critical economic and environmental needs for reducing energy requirements and enhancing operational functionality can be addressed by a supported one-atomic-layer-thick membrane that incorporates the chemical structures to avoid fouling and scaling. The development of novel cyclic organic synthons capable of being used as building blocks for the self-assembly of porous, Langmuir-Film (LF) derived nanomembranes has led to the development of large, supported membranes. The LF derived nanomembranes provide for exquisite solute selectivity and theoretically provide the minimal energy barrier to solvent passage. Development of polymeric FO draw agents will allow purification of salty feedstocks at near minimum energy usage without expensive capital equipment.PHASE 2 We have shown, in our phase 1 proof of concept work that Stimulus Response Polymers (SRP) have a high probability of enabling a nanomembrane based desalination and remediation methods. In Phase II we will synthesize specific SRPs and perform functionality and stability testing on these polymers to determine which are most likely scale-up candidates. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS AND OTHER BENEFITS The FO polymer is critical for the realization of a low energy desalination process. The oneatomic- layer-thick membranes promise to provide high purity water in desalination, wastewater remediation and water purification applications while providing total cost reductions on the order of 50% and reducing energy needed by 66% for desalination, and 99% for purifications, During a time of increased water scarcity, rising water costs, increased energy consumption for water provision and the need to reduce energy’s environmental impact, this technology provides enhanced water security, reduced energy use, reduced environmental impact, and reduced costs to municipalities, agriculture and a wide range of industries.