Research project Corresponding to the R&D Activities Programme between Research Groups of the Region of Madrid in Technologies 2024, Ref TEC-2024/ECO-332
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs, also known as micropollutants) are a large class of contaminants originated both from industrial and agricultural processes (e.g. industrial chemicals and pesticides) and from direct human activity (pharmaceuticals and personal care products, PPCPs). They are nonbiodegradable and therefore end up in our waters. In spite of their low concentrations (currently parts per billion, but growing), PPCPs represent a potentially severe risk for health and the environment due to their high mutagenic action, the development of pathogen resistances (associated with the presence of antibiotics), and their role as endocrine disruptors, among others.
The goal of CMOFs4water-CM is to exploit the versatility of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) to develop multifunctional materials to remove by adsorption and/or degradation pharmaceuticals from wastewater. MOFs and COFs are porous materials whose pore size and structure can be designed to achieve the high specificity needed to capture these chemicals at very low concentrations. Our target compounds, which are highly relevant in terms of concentration, insufficient removal and potential harmful effects, will be selected with the valuable support of the integral water management regional company Canal de Isabel II (CyII).
CMOFs4water-CM is based on a comprehensive approach that covers from the most fundamental experimental and theoretical studies of the interaction of the target molecules with the MOFs and COFs at the atomic scale, to the manufacturing and testing of devices (i.e. columns and membranes) under realistic operation conditions for the removal of CECs.
CMOFs4water-CM offers a radically new and highly promising approach to the problem of micropollutant removal, where no well-established solutions exist so far, and a wealth of fundamental knowledge about the structure, stability and chemical activity of MOFs and COFs relevant for key technological applications, including catalysis, sensing and energy harvesting.
CMOFs4water-CM is a regional research project that aims to develop innovative solutions for the removal of emerging organic contaminants in wastewater, especially those of pharmaceutical origin.
Partners: IMDEA Energy Institute (Coordinator); IMDEA Water Institute; ICMM-CSIC; UCM; UAM
Funding Institution/Program: Comunidad de Madrid / R&D Activities Programme between Research Groups of the Region of Madrid in Technologies 2024
Period: 2025-2028
IMDEA Energy Institute external funding: 215.887,50 €
IP IMDEA Energy: Patricia Horcajada Cortés
