COFs for photothermal membrane distillation
| dc.contributor.author | Gnaedinger, Alex | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-10-07T22:09:10Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-10-07T22:09:10Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | My research project involved assisting PhD candidate Kirsten Aasen in developing a sustainable membrane from a covalent organic framework (COF) to purify water using sunlight. I focused on synthesizing model compounds as intermediaries in the creation of a COF with tunable hydrophilicity and efficient photothermal conversion, using green building blocks. We primarily used a mechanochemical method, which involves placing reactants and zirconium grinding balls in a ball mill, and applying kinetic energy to drive the reaction forward. This method was preferred over solvothermal synthesis due to its lower energy requirements and minimal use of toxic solvents. Given the challenges, I frequently reviewed scientific literature to troubleshoot issues and explore new research directions. Additionally, I used computational modeling with RASPA software to identify COFs with the desired properties from databases of existing structures. This involved simulating the interactions between adsorbate molecules and various COF structures, helping predict characteristics like void space and water adsorption capacity under different conditions. | |
| dc.description.reviewstatus | Reviewed | |
| dc.description.scholarlevel | Undergraduate | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA) | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1828/20490 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Victoria | |
| dc.subject | COF | |
| dc.subject | water | |
| dc.subject | purification | |
| dc.subject | photothermal | |
| dc.subject | mechanochemical | |
| dc.title | COFs for photothermal membrane distillation | |
| dc.type | Poster |