(287f) Develop Novel Polymer Sorbents Via Combining 3D Printing and Phase Separation Techniques | AIChE

(287f) Develop Novel Polymer Sorbents Via Combining 3D Printing and Phase Separation Techniques

Authors 

Phillip, W., University of Notre Dame
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Research Interests

I’m a 5-th year Ph.D. student from the University of Notre Dame seeking a fulltime job starting from summer 2024. I’m self-motivated, always curious about learning new skills, willing to take on challenges, and open to relocation. My dissertation research focuses on generating the fundamental science and engineering knowledge needed to design and fabricate structured adsorbents tailored for the selective isolation of trace-level analytes from complex mixtures. In particular, developing separation devices capable of isolating dilute contaminants or mining critical resources from these non-traditional water supplies is essential to enabling their use. Thin polymer films are attractive for executing these challenging separations, however, they suffer from a capacity-permeability tradeoff – while smaller pores and thicker membranes can increase the number of solute binding sites, these changes reduce throughput.

In my dissertation research, I developed novel adsorbent platforms with structures tailored at the molecular through device scales to address this critical tradeoff. First, I combined a non-solvent induced phase separation method with 3D printing to create hierarchically-structured polysulfone (Psf) and polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-PAA) adsorbents that overcome the capacity-throughput tradeoff mentioned above. Micron-scale channels created by printing result in high hydraulic permeabilities, and nanoscale pores formed by phase separation provide large surface area and promote the transport of ions to binding sites. The chemistry of the resulting sorbents was tailored with polyethylenimine (PEI) and terpyridine to increase the binding affinity toward heavy metal ions. These findings have been presented in research conferences, a recent review paper (10.1002/macp.202200032), and a peer review paper (10.1016/j.matt.2022.07.012). Deeper understanding on thermodynamic changes during the phase separation and solidification of the printed polymer structures is currently being studied.

After establishing the platform and protocols, I continued to expand the library of printable polymer-solvent-additives systems. On the additives side, I investigated the formulation of composite inks to optimize the structures. For example, adding an appropriate amount of carbon nanotubes optimized the rheology of the ink and improved the regularity of the printed pattern. On the polymer side, I’m currently working on replacing the copolymer and the Psf matrix system with a homopolymer, which has more pendent carboxylic acid groups and can form a more porous nanostructure to increase the surface area and binding sites. Lastly, on the solvent side, traditional fabrication methods based on phase separation processes rely on organic solvents with negative environmental and health impacts. I’m using bio-derived and eco-responsible green solvents to create high-quality polymer membranes with comparable performances, which enables sustainable strategies for the fabrication of next-generation sorbents. New findings in those experiments are summarized in several manuscripts and will be submitted soon.

In conclusion, I have various experience in solution formulation, membrane fabrication, surface modification, and materials characterization. I’m experienced in the design of experiments and data analysis, DLS, SEM/EDX, UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR, ICP, IC, surface area analyzer, and rheology. Besides, I collaborated with more than 5 labs, mentored more than 10 undergraduate and early-career graduate students, and led several professional and social activities as an active of graduate student organizations.

To gain new insights for my professional development, I joined Corteva Agriscience as biological formulation intern during the summer 2023. During my internship, I gained a deeper understanding of industry formulation design and improvement. I also established high throughput assays in the Hamilton system to screen the compatibility between active microbial ingredients and adjuvants, saving around 75% labor working and making the whole process more precise. My ideal career would allow me to apply my expertise in exploring formulation, identifying structure-function insights of advanced materials, and developing energy-efficient separation techniques . Along with problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, I want to work as a R&D scientist in companies focusing on food, paints, chemical, agriculture, energy, or pharmaceutical products.