Research Symposium

BIO

I am a senior Chemical Engineering student at Florida State University originally from Homer Glen, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago. I was drawn to chemical engineering because I enjoy solving complex problems and understanding how chemistry and materials behave in real-world systems. During my undergraduate studies, I discovered a strong interest in research, particularly in exploring how material structure influences performance at the molecular level. My current work focuses on multivalent ion transport through perfluorosulfonic acid membranes and how membrane structure impacts permeability and conductivity. Through this research, I have developed a passion for experimental design, data analysis, and applying engineering principles to material systems. After graduation, I plan to move to New York City to begin a career in cosmetic manufacturing, where I hope to combine engineering with product development and innovation.

Multivalent Ion Transport through Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membranes

Abstract

Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes are widely used in electrochemical systems due to their high chemical stability and ion exchange capacity. Beyond energy applications, these membranes show potential for selective ion transport processes relevant to water treatment and resource recovery. In this study, the transport behavior of multivalent cations (Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) through PFSA membranes is investigated to better understand their potential for capturing hardness ions from concentrated industrial brines. Two commercially available membranes, Aquivion E98-09S and Nafion 115, are compared to examine how differences in side-chain length and membrane morphology influence multivalent ion transport. Pristine and pretreated membranes are evaluated to determine the impact of membrane conditioning on transport performance. Key properties including ionic conductivity, permeability, water uptake, and desorption are experimentally measured and interpreted using theoretical transport models. These results provide insight into structure–property relationships governing multivalent ion transport in PFSA membranes and highlight their potential for advanced separation technologies targeting Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ removal from high-salinity process streams.

Keywords: Polymers, Ion-Transport, Conductivity, Permeability