STTR Phase I: Desalination Using Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project proposes a functionalized magnetic nanoparticle to be used in a new water desalination process. The proposed technology uses magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with selective synthetic salt ion-receptors to extract the dissolved salt ions from saline water. If successful, the result will be a revolutionary desalination technique that greatly reduces the energy required for desalination for agricultural and other needs. The surface engineered nanomaterial based water desalination technique proposed will overcome the major shortcomings of current desalination methods that rely on thermal and membrane processes involving huge operating costs due to high electricity demands, periodic membrane replacements, and disposal of brines.