Milliron X   Milliron X

proton transport


Polyoxometalate Incorporation and Effects on Proton Transport in Hydrogel Polymers

07 Aug 2020
Thomas A. Christensen II

Polyoxometalate clusters embedded into hydrogel biobeads may be able to solve the challenges posed by free proton generation during remediation of trichloroethylene by acting as buffers and reducing protons to hydrogen gas. In this thesis, the challenges posed by systems that contain both diffusion and reaction processes for protons are considered mathematically, and a computer simulation to was developed to prove the relationship between diaphragm cell lag period and reactive capabilities of membranes. Read more »

Measuring Diffusion of Trichlorethylene Breakdown Products in Polyvinylalginate

29 Oct 2018
Thomas A. Christensen II Samuel R. Wolfe Jonathan Counts Mark F. Roll Kristopher V. Waynant James G. Moberly

Trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxic and carcinogenic contaminant, presents unique challenges for cleanup because of its water solubility, density, and volatility. Bioremediation of TCE is a promising cleanup method; however, metabolism of TCE results in acid generation that inhibits remediating microorganisms. Calcium alginate(CA)-polyvinylalcohol (PVA) hydrogels show promise for protecting remediating microbes, however diffusion of TCE or its byproducts through these polymers is unknown. To measure the effective diffusion coefficient of TCE and byproducts through hydrogel membranes, we used a modified diaphragm cell. Read more »