Poly(α-olefin)s (PAOs) are oligomers of alkenes such as 1-decene and 1-dodecene that are industrially used as lubricants. Recently, we have explored their use as recyclable, greener, alternatives to alkane solvents. The extraordinary recyclability of PAOs can be attributed to their low volatility and low levels of leaching into more polar solvents, making them ideal for liquid-liquid separations. Previously we have shown that PAOs alone can sequester at least 99% of hexane, benzene, dichloromethane, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and nonylphenol from contaminated water by liquid-liquid extraction. The PAO sequestering media can then be recycled by aeration or extraction. However PAOs alone only sequester non polar species. By adding a polyisobutylene (PIB) derivative that is a phase-anchored hydrogen bond acceptor or donor in the PAO phase, enhanced extraction efficiencies of more polar contaminants such as phenolics, nitrobenzene, tetrahydrofuran, and triethylamine was observed. The PAO/PIB solutions so formed were readily recyclable. Similarly, anionic dyes can be extracted from pH 10 water using PAO solutions containing PIB-bound cations. Different anionic dyes; including methyl red, methyl orange, bromocresol, dichlorofluorescein, and other azo or phthalein dyes all could be quantitatively removed from water within minutes. Extensions of these studies and ways to recycle these water purification systems will be discussed.

Sequestration of trace organic contaminants from water into poly(α-olefins) facilitated by polyisobutylene additives

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.