About this Event
Safe water requires moving beyond physical displacement to catalytic destruction of PFAS and other persistent contaminants under real-water conditions. Catalysis chemistry provides a powerful means to upgrade impacted water to a quality level that matches its intended use, if materials can be designed for the operational constraints of ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and variable water quality. I will describe recent developments stemming from our discovery of room-temperature PFAS-degrading capabilities of boron nitride (BN) under ultraviolet light irradiation. I will explain how BN shows excellent photocatalytic activity due to the presence of structural defects allowing light absorption in the UV-C range, and to the hydrophobic nature of its surface. Catalytic destruction gives hope that PFAS can be permanently removed without resorting to high-temperature incineration.
This lecture has been approved for one hour of continuing education credits for registered Professional Engineers and Professional Geologists. In lieu of a fee, professionals are asked to have a small informational table representing their firm for an informal tabling event for our students immediately before and after the talk. You can register HERE.
Event venue & nearby stays
Norton Hall - University at Buffalo, 170 Founders Promenade, Buffalo, United States
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