PET-MOF-CLEANWATER project entitled “ The studies on waste PET-derived metal-organic framework (MOFs) as cost-effective adsorbents for removal of hazardous elements from polluted water” was funded for 2019-2021 period under the South Africa (NRF) and Poland (NCBR) Joint Science and Technology Research Collaboration Programme.
The second workshop in the frame of the MOF-PET-CLEANWATER project was held on December 8, 2021 in the on-line form on Teams Internet platform. The meeting was organized by the University of Johannesburg Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment with the cooperation of Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology (INCT). The 2nd workshop was the continuation of the first one organized in INCT in Warsaw on 16 October 2019.
Metal-organic framework (MOFs) as a new class of porous materials hold the promises for various applications. The workshop was focused on the MOFs production from waste PET streams and their application for toxic elements removal from water. Other methods of PET utilization like production of nanoporous carbon adsorbents were also presented. However, the high production costs have posed challenges for MOF wide applications in reality. The techno-economic feasibility assessment and envisioned MOF applications were discussed.
The workshop was opened by Prof Danel J. Mashao, Executive Dean of Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg. after which the participants were welcomed by the representatives of both parties: Prof Tien-Chen Jen, Head of Department Mechanical Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg and Prof. Jacek Michalik, Deputy Director for Research and Development, Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology.
The detailed of the 2nd workshop programme is shown below:
- The state of water PET management in South Africa, Prof. Linda Godfrey,
More MOFs – less mess; state of art and MOFs application perspectives, Prof. Bożena Sartowska,
- Synthesis of zirconium sorbents directly from waste PET flakes , dr Wojciech Starosta lakes, Application of SiAE-KNiFe sorbent for radiocesium removal in three different process configurations, dr Dagmara Chmielewska-Śmietanko,
- MOF assisted membrane process for removal of radionuclides from aqueous solutions, Prof. Grażyna Zakrzewska-Kołtuniewicz,
- Waste PET-derived MOFs provide a stepping stone towards MOFs-based water-harvesting applications, Prof. Jianwei Ren,
- Green synthesis of MOF from PET waste for pollutant removal from water, dr Azile Nqombolo,
- Application of various metal organic framework in analytical methods: recent trends and future perspective Prof. Philiswa Nomngongo,
- Magnetic porous carbon composite derived from metalorganic framework for removal of various metals from acid mine drainage, dr Anele Mpupa,
- Postsynthetic modification of zirconium terephthalate sorbents and their application for sorption of selected toxic elements form water dr Wojciech Starosta,
- Radiotracers in chemistry and technology, dr Rafał Walczak,
- Reuse of waste PET canisters through the production of activated carbon, an adsorbent to remove radionuclides from aqueous solutions, dr Leon Fuks,
- Fe-Based MOFs, synthesis strategies or improved properties, dr. Xoliswa Dyosiba,
- Techno-economic feasibility assessment on the viability of using waste PET (trays and coloured bottles) to MOFs, Prof. Jianwei Ren,
- Nanoporous carbon adsorbent derived from PET for adsorption of thallium dr Tshimangadzo Munonde,
- Powering Water Desalination through Renewable Energy Resources for Long-Term Water Sustainability Dr. Peter Ovir.
