Microwave-Catalytic Membrane for PFAS Degradation

This project will embark on an innovative microwave-assisted membrane filtration (MWM) system that combines microwave catalysis and microfiltration to enhance the removal of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The project will examine the hypothesis that under microwave catalysis (both thermal and non-thermal effects), the selected PFAS substances such as prfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) may undergo defluorination under hydroxyl radical attacks or reductive radical attack on catalyst-coated membrane surface during filtration. The challenge is the search of functional and durable microwave-absorbing catalysts that react with PFAS efficiently and also establish stable binding with membrane surface to form a porous separation layer. This invention will be critical for the development of point-of-use (POU) water treatment devices that are deployed at impaired water facilities or small rural areas without centralized water treatment capabilities.