Polycationic 3D framework materials for organic acid recovery
Develop polycationic 3D framework materials with ultrahigh surface areas and condensed polycationic networks to recover anionic organic acids from solution. Designed as filtration media, they enable selective electrostatic capture under controlled pH and release using tailored electrolytes or anions, supporting reuse. Suitable for processing complex feeds such as fermentation broths with low flow resistance.
Overview
The proposed solution involves the development of advanced polycationic 3D framework materials engineered for the efficient recovery of organic acids from various solutions. These materials exhibit unique structural features, including ultrahigh surface areas, large pore sizes, and a condensed network of polycationic structures. Such design ensures minimal resistance to flow, making them suitable for filtering fermentation broths. By leveraging controlled pH conditions, these materials enable strong electrostatic interactions with anionic acids, facilitating their selective capture and subsequent release using tailored electrolytes or anions.
Technical specifications
- High surface area and porosity: These materials are crafted with ultrahigh surface areas and large pore sizes, promoting efficient fluid flow without resistance.
- Strong electrostatic interactions: The condensed polycationic structures on the material surfaces interact robustly with negatively charged organic acids under specific pH conditions.
- Selective release mechanism: Captured organic acids can be released by rinsing with specially selected electrolytes, allowing for material reuse and efficient acid recovery.
- Scalability: The materials can be prepared via one-step or one-bath reactions, compatible with various shapes and sizes.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, these materials have been prepared and tested at lab scale for their application as filtering media. Future steps include lab-scale and pilot-scale tests to further validate their effectiveness in real-world fermentation broth scenarios.
About University of California, Davis
UC Davis is a comprehensive public research university in Northern California, combining a land-grant heritage with an integrated academic health system and a veterinary teaching hospital. Industry engages through co-located clinical and translational facilities in Sacramento, a campus-adjacent research park, pilot-scale food and bioprocessing facilities, and a statewide extension network for field-to-market deployment. Proximity to the Bay Area and California's Central Valley enables rapid collaboration with startups and established enterprises, while corporate relations staff streamline access to faculty, talent, and core labs. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support programs provide IP management, licensing, and startup formation pathways for industry partnerships.
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