The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $420,000 Project Grant under the NSF Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to Yale University to develop effective polymeric inhibitors for silica scale formation in reverse osmosis (RO) desalination processes. The 3-year project aims to elucidate the essential design principles for these scale inhibitors, investigating how factors like polymer chain length, composition, and conformation impact inhibition efficiency. The research will utilize state-of-the-art characterization techniques to study the mechanistic differences between homogeneous and membrane-based silica scaling processes. Successful completion of this project is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and lifespan of RO membranes, thereby enhancing the viability of RO desalination technology for addressing critical water supply challenges. No sub-awards are planned under this grant.
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