SURF Mentoring
Potential projects/topics: There is a need for robust, scalable, and robust processes to produce clean drinking water. Specifically, there is a need for new materials that can treat water contaminated with "forever chemicals," which are persistent, fluorinated molecules that do not degrade naturally in the environment. This project will focus on the development of photo-active nanomaterials that can adsorb and photochemically degrade these harmful chemicals. Our approach involves the development of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which are mesh-like macromolecules that are also photoactive. The student on this project will learn how to fabricate these materials and use them in water treatment processes and applications. The work will involve preparing the materials, quantifying the solution concentration of contaminants, and testing different adsorption and degradation methods.
Potential skills gained: material preparation, material characterization, and water characterization. Collaboration with senior students and faculty. Presentation skills and other communication skills, including writing reports.
Required qualifications: Enthusiasm for research
Direct mentor: Faculty/P.I., Post-doctorate, Graduate Student
Student Project Titles List
Engineering Thermo- & Photo-Responsive Fluidic Pumps using Liquid Crystal Elastomers