Polyamine-Grafted Solid Supports for Regenerable PFAS Sorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing low concentrations of persistent pollutants like PFAS from contaminated water, such as adsorption onto granular activated carbon, are inefficient and require frequent replacement, while modified cellulose materials only reduce high concentrations but not to regulatory levels, and specialty ion exchange resins are costly or require toxic solvents for regeneration.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a polyamine covalently linked to a support material, such as cellulose or silica, with a hydrophobic group, which can adsorb and regenerate PFAS contaminants using aqueous washes, allowing for reusable and cost-effective removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adsorption onto granular activated carbon is used to remove PFAS from water, then PFAS removal capability is provided, but the process is inefficient and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePFAS removal capabilityVSAvoidremoval efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material consisting of polyamine-modified cellulose where polyamine groups are covalently bonded to cellulose fibers. This composite structure combines the adsorptive properties of polyamines with the structural stability of cellulose, achieving both reliable PFAS removal and improved productivity through faster adsorption kinetics and reduced frequency of replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If modified cellulose materials are used to remove PFAS, then high concentration reduction is achieved, but regulatory levels are not reached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant reduction capabilityVSAvoidconcentration removal precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of cellulose by introducing polyamine groups with specific functional properties. The polyamine modification changes the surface chemistry and adsorption characteristics, enabling the material to achieve both high concentration reduction and precise removal down to regulatory levels through controlled adsorption capacity and selectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If specialty ion exchange resins are used to remove PFAS, then removal effectiveness is achieved, but costs are high and toxic solvents are required for regeneration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePFAS removal effectivenessVSAvoidcost and regeneration safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cellulose-based material that is cheaper than specialty ion exchange resins and can be regenerated using non-toxic aqueous solutions. The cellulose substrate provides cost-effectiveness while the polyamine modification enables effective PFAS removal, eliminating the need for expensive resins and toxic regeneration solvents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables regeneration and reuse of the cellulose-polyamine material through aqueous washes that recover PFAS from the sorbent. This regeneration process allows the material to be reused multiple times, reducing operational costs and eliminating the need for disposable expensive resins or toxic regeneration chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If conventional sorbents are used, then PFAS adsorption is achieved, but regeneration is difficult or requires toxic solvents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorption capabilityVSAvoidregeneration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the cellulose-polyamine sorbent to be self-regenerable through simple aqueous washing processes. The polyamine groups can be protonated or deprotonated depending on pH, allowing the sorbent to release bound PFAS and regenerate its adsorption capacity using benign water-based solutions, eliminating the need for complex or toxic regeneration systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition achieves efficient adsorption of PFAS down to regulatory limits, with faster kinetics and lower costs than activated carbon and ion exchange resins, and enables regeneration for reuse, reducing waste and operational expenses.

Implementation Method 1

using chemically modified filtration materials based on polyamines... the composition achieves efficient adsorption of PFAS

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSorption: Sorption

Implementation Method 2

a covalently linked hydrophobic group... which can adsorb and regenerate PFAS contaminants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS12364969B2Modified polyamines grafted to a particulate, solid support as sorbent materials for removal of target substances from fluids

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 HSBC INNOVATION BANK LTD

AI summary

Provided are compositions for removal of a target substance from a fluid stream, the composition comprising a polyamine; and a covalently linked hydrophobic group, wherein the polyamine is covalently linked to a support material. Also provided are processes for removal of a target substance from a fluid stream comprising contacting the fluid stream with a composition comprising a polyamine; and a covalently linked hydrophobic group, wherein the polyamine is covalently linked to a support material.