CTS - 9632479 P. Somasundaran Columbia University ABSTRACT The project deals with the use of adsorbed polymer-surfactant aggregates for the separation of organics and inorganics. The objective is to develop an understanding of the mechanisms of separation using such aggregates (admicelles). Selectivity will be achieved by introducing suitable functional groups on the polymer surfactant. The project will involve spectroscopic characterization of the adsorbed aggregates and studies on the incorporation of organics and metal ions. Partition coefficients and separation kinetics will be determined. A correlation of aggregate properties with separation efficiency will be attempted. The results may lead to the development of improved techniques for efficient removal of trace contaminants or separation of chemically similar materials.
