Styrene Functionalized Cyclodextrin Monomers and Polymer for Water Remediation

NU 2021-229

INVENTORS

• Damian Helbling*
• William Dichtel*
• Brittany Bac-An Trang
• Max Klemes
• Mohamed Ibrahim
• Ri Wang
• Zhi-wei Lin

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This invention discloses styrene functionalized beta-cyclodextrin monomers and their mesoporous polymeric networks, developed as highly efficient adsorbents for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and other pollutants from water.

BACKGROUND

PFAS contaminants, including long-chain and emerging short-chain species, pose significant risks due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and toxicity at low exposure levels. Conventional adsorbents such as activated carbons, ion exchange resins, and inorganic minerals suffer from limited affinity and fouling issues in natural water systems. This invention addresses the urgent need for novel polymeric adsorbents by employing styrene functionalized cyclodextrin monomers that can be tailored at the molecular level to enhance PFAS removal efficiency.

ABSTRACT

The disclosed technology comprises a mesoporous polymeric material synthesized from a styrene functionalized beta-cyclodextrin monomer through free radical polymerization with a suitable comonomer and crosslinker. The resulting network features a high density of cyclodextrin moieties interconnected by tailored aromatic linkages, providing a versatile platform for water remediation. The material exhibits enhanced adsorption performance for various PFASs (including PFOA, PFOS, PFBA, and PFBS) and can remove at least 50 wt% of targeted pollutants from water samples.

Moreover, the platform’s structural features are tunable, enabling in-depth investigation of adsorption mechanisms and the optimization of removal efficiencies. This adaptability positions the technology as a significant advancement over existing cyclodextrin-based adsorbents and emerging materials like activated carbon.

APPLICATIONS

• Water Filtration: Effectively removes PFAS and micro-pollutants from diverse water sources.
• Micro-Pollutant Removal: Provides a precise adsorbent platform for other trace contaminant remediation in water.

ADVANTAGES

• Tunable Structure: Enables modification of structural features to optimize adsorption for different pollutants.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Offers improved removal performance compared to conventional cyclodextrin adsorbents and activated carbons.
• Mechanistic Insights: Facilitates fundamental studies on adsorption mechanisms to inform future design rules.

PUBLICATIONS

• Dichtel et al, Structural Features of Styrene-Functionalized Cyclodextrin Polymers That Promote the Adsorption of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Water, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, May 20, 2024

IP STATUS

Patents Pending in the US (US20250043032A1) and in AU, CA, EP, IN, MX, KR.