Polyoxacylobutane (POCB) has unique properties that allow its use for thermal desalination. POCB is environmentally-benign, non-flammable, and has no global warming potential. This research aims to create a benchtop process for continuous desalination.
Research Methodology
The hydrate will be crystalized away from the brine, avoiding contamination. Studies will be conducted to better understand the kinetics of hydrate crystallization in the presence of salt. Then, a benchtop desalination process will be built and evaluated.
Research Goals
The benchmarks for this project is filing a patent which may be licensed and obtaining funding from an external agency to optimize and scale up this process, extending it to high-salinity water such as those produced by the fossil fuel industry.