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Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for water remediation

Project

Project Details

Program
Environmental Science and Engineering
Field of Study
Environmental science and engineering
Division
Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Center Affiliation
Water Desalination and Reuse Center

Project Description

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are composed of two or more natural compounds, such as organic acids and bases, sugars, amino acids, and polyalcohols that interact through hydrogen bonds, forming a stable liquid. Due to their components, these green solvents are more biodegradable, harmless, and environmentally friendly than similar solvents, such as ionic liquids and DES. In our research group, we focus on understanding the chemical and physical properties of NADES and their applications, e.g., biofouling cleaning solvents, wastewater pre-treatment agents, and liquid membrane carriers. In this project, the student will learn how to prepare and characterize green solvents and study their application in water remediation.

About the Researcher

Geert-Jan Witkamp
Professor, Environmental Science and Engineering
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division

Affiliations

Education Profile

  • Ph.D., Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, 1989
  • M.Sc., Chemistry, Leiden University, The Netherlands, 1985
  • B.Sc., Chemistry & Physics, Leiden University, The Netherlands, 1982

Research Interests

The research of Prof. Witkamp is aimed at generating knowledge necessary for the development of technologies allowing atom- and energy efficient recovery of materials in pure form (water, salts, metals) from a wide variety of sources, and to realise such technologies in practice at appropriate scales through translational research. Concepts include the Water Refinery, Eutectic Freeze Crystallization, (ultra)trace compound detection and recovery, Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES's) and supercritical carbon dioxide based processes.

Selected Publications

  • Effect of pore size distribution and particle size of porous metal oxides on phosphate adsorption capacity and kinetics P. Suresh Kumar, L. Korving, K.J. Keesman, M.C.M. van Loosdrecht, G.J. Witkamp Chemical Engineering Journal, 358, 160-169, (2019)
  • Towards zero liquid discharge in the presence of silicate: Stable 98% recovery in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis S. Cob, C. Yeme, B. Hofs, E.R. Cornelissen, D. Vries, F.E. Genceli Guner, G.J. Witkamp Separation and Purification Technology, 140, 23-31, (2015)
  • Visualization of acoustic cavitation effects of suspended calcite crystals R.M. Wagterveld, L. Boels, M.J. Mayer, G.J. Witkamp Ultrasonics sonochemistry 18, 216-225, (2011)
  • Are natural deep eutectic solvents the missing link in understanding cellular metabolism and physiology? Y.H. Choi, J. van Spronsen, Y. Dai, M. Verberne, F. Hollmann, I.W.C. Arends, G.J. Witkamp, R. Verpoorte Plant physiology 156, 1702-1705, (2011).
  • Quantum chemical aided prediction of the thermal decomposition mechanisms and temperatures of ionic liquids M.C. Kroon, W. Buijs, C.J. Peters, G.J. Witkamp Thermochimica Acta 465, 40-47, (2007)
  • Recovery of pure products from ionic liquids using supercritical carbon dioxide as a co-solvent in extractions or as an anti-solvent in precipitations M.C. Kroon, J. van Spronsen, C.J. Peters, R.A. Sheldon, G.J. Witkamp Green Chemistry 8, 246-249, (2006)
  • Extraction of Lanthanides from the phosphoric acid process to gain a purified gypsum and a valuable lanthanide by-product C. Koopman, G.J. Witkamp Hydrometallurgy 58, 51-60, (2000)

Desired Project Deliverables

Contribute to the development of new methodologies for water treatments. Draft a publication with the latest findings.

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3-6 months
Internship period
100+
Research Projects
3.5/4
Cumulative GPA
310
Interns a Year