The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $161,241 Project Grant to Arizona State University (ASU) under the NSF Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) to develop biomimetic, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free membrane distillation (MD) membranes for efficient and cost-effective treatment of high-salinity industrial brines. The project aims to design and fabricate a new family of bioinspired, wetting- and scaling-resistant MD membranes by covalently attaching supracolloidal structures that mimic the unique repellency of springtails towards low surface tension liquids. The successful completion of this 14-month project has the potential for transformative impact by advancing fundamental knowledge and functional materials to enable PFAS-free MD technologies for sustainable brine management. The project will also include outreach and educational activities, such as mentoring graduate students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Colorado State University.
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