A High Capacity Reusable Cationic Material [Ag-Bipy+] [No3] For The Removal Of Perchlorate From Water

Background

Perchlorate is a chemical usually produced commercially that is soluble in water, can easily travel through aqueous systems, and can persist for decades in groundwater. Even in trace amounts, perchlorate can disrupt thyroid hormone production, which can have harmful side effects.  These particular characteristics have made contamination of ground water by perchlorate a major widespread issue, and its decontamination a major challenge. Currently available techniques for removing perchlorate include high pressure water washout and single-use resins for capturing perchlorate.

Technology Description

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz have designed a solid-state system that can remediate perchlorate pollution. The system involves passing contaminated water over a metal-organic framework material - in particular, (silver 4,4'-bipyridine nitrate). The material specifically binds perchlorate without leaching any other material into the water. The perchlorate can be removed from the material, thereby recharging it for multiple cycles of use. 

The invention also includes a new form of silver 4,4'-bipyridine nitrate that is synthesized at room temperature, rather than hydrothermically. This new material has superior binding properties for perchlorate than previous forms.  

Applications

• Perchlorate remediation 
• Groundwater cleanup

Advantages

• Specific for perchlorate 
• Efficient 
• Rechargeable 

Intellectual Property Information

Related Materials

• Anion exchange dynamics in the capture of perchlorate by a cationic Ag-based MOF - 04/28/2017