Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID NH_2025_Aykanat

Next-Generation PFAS Removal: Designing Robust Cyclodextrin-Based Frameworks

Institute: New Hampshire
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $29,289 Total Non-Federal Funds: $29,295

Principal Investigators: Aylin Aykanat

Project Summary: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent pollutants that contaminate water sources due to their widespread use in consumer products, firefighting foams, and industrial processes. These chemicals have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer and immune system disorders, yet current water treatment methods struggle to effectively remove them, especially the shorter-chain PFAS varieties. This study focuses on developing new materials capable of selectively capturing and removing PFAS from contaminated water, across multiple length scales and generations of legacy PFAS that are particularly difficult to capture. By utilizing cyclodextrin-based frameworks?specialized porous materials designed at the molecular level?we aim to create highly efficient, reusable filters that can trap PFAS while allowing clean water to pass through. By engineering these materials with tunable properties, we can enhance their ability to detect and bind harmful pollutants. Our goal is to provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution for PFAS remediation, helping to improve water quality and protect public health. This research could lead to practical applications in household filters, municipal treatment plants, and environmental cleanup efforts.