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Development of Microwave Induced Membrane Distillation with Carbon Nanotube Immobilized Membranes: A Sustainable Solution for Solvent Recovery from Aqueous Wastes

Award Number: R43ES036050
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2026

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Development of Microwave Induced Membrane Distillation with Carbon Nanotube Immobilized Membranes: A Sustainable Solution for Solvent Recovery from Aqueous Wastes - Project Summary Our project aims to recover solvents from waste streams with low concentrations of solvents, such as chlorinated and aromatic solvents, DNAPL, MTBE, tetrahydro furan, and others. These waste streams are typically produced by Superfund sites, and our primary objective is to recover the solvents from them. These wastes are currently treated as hazardous waste for disposal, which is an expensive and wasteful approach. Our proposal offers a sustainable solution by concentrating dilute (1 to 10%) solvent waste to 60 or 70%, which can be sent to a distillation column or purified through membrane separations such as pervaporation and nanofiltration to generate pure solvents (95-99%). These recycled solvents can be resold in the market or repurposed for other applications. To achieve our goals, we propose the development of Microwave Induced Membrane Distillation (MIMD) with Carbon Nanotube Immobilized Membrane (CNIM) or MIMD-CNIM. Here, a hydrophobic porous membrane with immobilized carbon nanotubes separates a hot feed waste stream and a cold permeate. The membrane prevents the aqueous solution from entering the pores, while the solvent vapor passes through and is condensed on the permeate side of the membrane. The major advantage of CNIM is its ability to selectively transport solvents by increasing the partitioning on the nanotube surface. The waste stream is heated using a microwave heater, which enhances recovery via non-thermal effects such as localized superheating, breakdown of hydrogen-bonded structures in aqueous environments, and the creation of nanobubbles. We propose three specific aims, which include 1) membrane development; 2) testing of MIMD for different solvent streams and 3) testing with real-world wastes. By developing this technology, we hope to provide a sustainable solution for recovering solvents from aqueous solvent wastes, which can reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated by Superfund sites and other industries. Moreover, this approach can contribute to the circular economy by promoting the recycling and reuse of solvents.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $168,337 )
2024	2024	NANOSEPEX INC	54 HUNTLEY WAY	BRIDGEWATER	NJ	08807	SOMERSET	USA	NIEHS Superfund Hazardous Substances_Basic Research and Education	000	1	5/24/2024	NEW	$168,337
														Subtotal = $168,337

Grand Total All Awards = $168,337

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Development of Microwave Induced Membrane Distillation with Carbon Nanotube Immobilized Membranes: A Sustainable Solution for Solvent Recovery from Aqueous Wastes

Award Number: R43ES036050

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2026

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