Developing new generation adsorbent for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal

Description

NTHU-UoL Dual PhD Programme between National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in the UK is a well-established programme, where students spending 2 years at both institutions. Working with world leading academics and research capabilities the PhD candidates will spend two years in each institution. Upon successful defence of their research work, the candidates will obtain dual PhD degrees.

There are over 4000 types of PFAS compounds that are partially or fully fluorinated linear, branched, or cyclic [1]. PFAS have been widely used since 1940s in various applications worldwide, because of their hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, and chemical and mechanical stability. These applications include non-stick household items, paints, food packaging, cosmetics, lubricants, electronics, and aviation film-forming foam for firefighting [2]. PFAS molecules persistent in the environment over extended periods because they ate are resistant to natural degradation [3].

Continuous exposure to PFAS can cause hormonal disruptions, liver dysfunction, weakened immune function, cancer risk, fertility issues, adverse impacts on fatal development, and impaired cognitive abilities in children. In addition, PFAS potentially affects animals and livestock too [4]. Exposure routes are through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact [5]. Additionally, short-chain PFAS molecules (perfluorocarboxylates with fewer than eight carbons and perfluorosulfonic acids with fewer than six carbons) are both volatile and highly water soluble, making them readily absorbable by the human body through breathing, food consumption, or drinking water [6].

With increasing awareness of the environmental and health implications associated with PFAS, numerous countries have established guidelines and regulations concerning PFAS levels in drinking water [7]. The US Environmental Protection Agency has implemented a limit of 70 ng/L for PFOA and PFOS (individually or combined) in drinking water [8]. In the UK, a tiered approach is utilized. Monitoring is required if the concentration of any PFAS in the final water is less than 10 ng/L. Preparing measures is necessary if the concentration of any PFAS in the final water falls between 10-100 ng/L. If the concentration of any PFAS in the final water equals or exceeds 100 ng/L, checking and reviewing control measures, as well as preparing emergency contingency measures to prevent the supply of water to consumers with PFAS levels higher than 100 ng/L, is required in case the employed control measures become inadequate.

Conventional water and wastewater treatment methods currently in use are inadequate for effectively removing PFAS. The prevailing state-of-the-art method for PFAS removal centres on physical adsorption techniques, such as utilizing filtration, activated carbon or ion exchange resins [9]. Short-chain PFAS demonstrated notably greater difficulty in separation compared to their longer chain counterparts. However, these methods are inadequate for short-chain PFAS removal. Porous materials exhibit unique advantages, such as relatively low density, high surface area, lightweight, sound and thermal insulation, and good permeating selectivity. These exceptional properties have positioned porous materials at the centre of scientific and technological interest, enhancing their widespread application across industrial sectors and products, including efficient adsorbents for storage and controlled release. The primary aim of this project is to develop new materials for PFAS removal from water. The specific objectives are to

1. develop and characterize new functionalised microspheres,

2. develop a numerical model for assessing the efficiency of the microspheres for PFAS removal,

3. validate and improve the numerical model against the data from self-conducted lab testing,

4. apply the validated numerical model for parametric studies to optimize the functionalised microspheres.

This is an interdisciplinary project, at the intersection of materials sciences, nanotechnology, fluid dynamics, and environmental engineering. The viability of the technological innovation built in this initiative will be assessed via comprehensive tests. All stages of this project highlight collaborative effort characterized by experimental, systematic, and interdisciplinary synergy between Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Liverpool and Materials Engineering at NTHU. With its multidisciplinary and international structure, this project targets to prepare the candidate for a career plan spanning various sectors.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Materials Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.