RESEARCH WEB SITE – Paul Scovazzo, PE, Ph.D.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
My areas of research are:
Separations and Purification
Transport Phenomena within Membranes and Porous Media
Material Science of Room Temperature Ionic Liquids for Chemical Processing
These areas are closely linked in their underlying fundamental science, yet I have applied them in projects ranging from hazardous waste site remediation through space flight technology. Currently I have ongoing research in the following fields:
Materials Science of Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTILs)
Stabilized RTIL-Membranes
Facilitated Transport Membranes
Electrochemical Modulated Separations
Current sources of research support include DARPA (The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). However, drawing on my industrial experience, my research group is actively fostering industrial collaboration through government Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals.
The following present my current research and outstanding proposals along with potential future endeavors. My relevant background for leading these projects include three post-docs in separation science, 13 peer reviewed separation & membrane science publications (including two book chapters), and regular attendance at the Gordon Research Conference on (Separation) Membranes.
2.0 MATERIALS SCIENCE – ROOM TEMPERATURE IONIC LIQUIDS
This program studies and characterizes a new category of matter, Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTILs). RTILs are “designable” materials, allowing their design for a new or specific function. We are one of only a handful of university engineering groups working with these novel engineering materials to develop new separation processes. While the chemical functionalization of these materials could lead to designer solvents, limited information exists on their unique chemistry, thermodynamics, and physical properties. Therefore, students in my research group learn about materials while doing fundamental research with significant contributions to the field.
2.1 Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTILs)
RTILs (Fig. 1) are “green” replacements for volatile organics used in synthesis and separations [1, 2, 3]. RTILs are salts that are liquids at room temperature. RTILs possess a number of properties useful for separating agents including high thermal stability, negligible vapor pressure, and nonflammability. They, also, dissolve a wide range of inorganic and organic compounds while being immiscible in a number of solvents. Unlike traditional organic solvents, chemical modification of the cation alkyl groups or the anion (Fig. 1) can produce application specific RTIL solvents.
Figure 1: Typical Ionic Liquid Cations and Anions
2.2 RTIL Property Determination and Modeling
The limited thermodynamic and transport property data for RTILs hinders their use as separating agents. Therefore, we developed in-house equipment to simultaneously measure gas solubilities and diffusivities in RTILs. We are using this specialized equipment to developed models for predicting RTIL solubilities and diffusivities via the following tasks:
· Collection of thermodynamic data associated with solubility and transport in RTILs
· Development of empirical and fundamental models for solubility and diffusivities
· Utilization of physical properties to predict separation performance of new RTILs
For instance, Figure 2 shows collected data on gas diffusivities with a target towards developing fundamental predictive models. In addition I have published two articles on modeling/predicting gas solubilities in RTILs (Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2004, 43, 3049-3059 and Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2004, 43, 6855-6860).
Figure 2: Preliminary data of gas diffusivities in various RTILs plotted verses viscosity. (Ongoing work of M.S. Candidate David Morgan)
3.0 RTIL-Membranes and Facilitated TRANSPORT mEMBRANES
This ongoing project advances the concept for a new class of membranes. The new class combines existing liquid membranes with the unique chemistry of RTILs.
3.1 Membrane Background
Supported Liquid Membranes (SLMs) use porous supports with a solvent filling the pores. In SLMs, a solute dissolves into the membrane at the feed/membrane interface. The dissolved solute diffuses through the membrane and desorbs at the opposite interface. The addition of a mobile binding agent to the solvent, that reversibly binds to the solute, enhances the selectivity of the membrane (facilitated transport). The disadvantages of SLMs include loss of solvent via volatilization or dissolution into membrane contacting phases. In addition, solubility of any binding agent in the solvent limits the overall selectivity.
RTIL-Membranes combine the advantages of RTILs and SLMs in order to eliminate the disadvantages of SLMs, since:
· RTILs have negligible vapor pressure, resulting in negligible loss of solvent via vaporization.
· Functionalizing RTILs may produce millions of separation specific membranes.
Fig. 3 should how our RTIL-membranes compare to the traditional polymer membranes.
3.2 Test Equipment: Mixed Gas Separations Using RTIL-membranes
Fig. 3 is a standard comparison figure used in membrane research (Robeson Plot) and shows membrane performance under ideal conditions. However, the real test of RTIL-membranes is with feed gas streams that simulate “real world” conditions. To this end we have constructed a Continuous Membrane Test Unit. The unit contains 4 mass-flow controllers that precisely generate a mixed gas feed for obtaining mixed gas membrane permeabilities and selectivities under “real world” conditions. The unit is equipped with relative humidity sensors and can be operated at both high and low relative humidities. Results from this equipment confirm the performance in Fig. 3 for most RTIL-membranes under mixed gas conditions (North American Membrane Society Meeting Proceedings, June 2004).
Figure 3: Robeson Plot of representative polymers and RTIL-membranes showing that RTIL-membranes have better CO2/N2 ideal selectivities vs. permeability than polymers. The RTIL-membranes labeled with [cation][anion] notation.
(Testing of these RTIL-membranes under mixed gas conditions is the work of Undergraduate Drew Havard.)
3.3 Facilitated Transport Additives for RTIL-Membranes
Our previous work showed that membrane separations of CO2 from N2 using an imidiazolium ion paired with various anions outperform standard polymer membranes (Fig. 3). A further increase in performance may be realized by the addition of a mobile amine carrier, which can reversibly bind to CO2, forming a carbamate:
CO2 + 2 R2NH ßà R2NH2+ + R2NCOO-
The initial phase of this research is studying RTIL membranes doped with cyclohexylamine (CHA) and methylcyclohexylamine (MCHA). (North American Membrane Society Meeting Proceedings, June 2004)
3.4 Future Research: Mixed-Matrix RTIL-Membranes
I foresee a number of future research concepts building on our current RTIL-membrane research including:
· Membrane systems for hostile environments, high temperature or solvent recovery
· Mixed-Matrix Membranes
· Pervaporation with RTIL-Membranes
For example, rigid molecular-sieve materials (i.e., zeolites) have superior gas separation properties compared to polymer membranes. However, the rigid material is difficult to manufacture into defect free membranes. Mixed Matrix Membranes (Fig. 4) combine the rigid material’s superior gas separation with materials that are easy to process and manufacture. Previous research into mixed matrix membranes used polymer/rigid membrane materials, which have the following problems [4]:
· Delamination of polymer from particles
· Polymer/particle binding gives a rigid interface and, therefore, an added transport resistance.
However, the liquid nature of an RTIL mixed matrix membrane will have liquid/solid interfaces that will not delaminate and be “self-healing.” Future research will grow zeolites on a flexible support. Then RTILs will “seal” the spaces between the crystals. The result would be a flexible membrane with properly orientated zeolite crystals, which will enhanced the membrane flux.
Figure 4: Cross-section of a mixed-matrix membrane showing various gas transport pathways through the continuous phase only or through a combination of molecular sieve particles and the continuous phase.
4.0 Electrochemical Modulated Separations – Active Transport using RTILs
4.1 Electrochemical Pumping of Carbon Dioxide
EMC-Active Transport is a process that combines a reversible set of redox reactions with absorption/desorption steps to achieve selective separation of gas mixtures. Through the input of electrical energy, gases can be pumped uphill against a partial pressure gradient. The process can be used in an equilibrium stage or continuous process. In previous research [5], the primary goal was a batch separation; therefore, the EMC process was not optimized into a membrane format. My research group is exploring EMC to produce a membrane that will separate and concentrate in one unit operation.
This is a critical point; the final objective is a membrane that increases the partial pressure of the gas, not just its concentration. Unlike traditional membrane systems that must use a compressor or vacuum pump, the EMC-membrane could operate with the same total pressure on both sides of the membrane; however, the “permeate” side will have a higher partial pressure of the gas than the feed.
Fig. 5 shows how the EMC process in a membrane format can separate and concentrate carbon dioxide. A microporous membrane containing an inert electrolyte solution is sandwiched between two porous electrodes (e.g. screens). The electrolyte solution wets the porous electrodes. The electrolyte solution also contains a complexing agent that can be cycled between a high binding state and a low binding state through reversible redox reactions. At the feed/membrane interface, the electrode reaction converts the oxidation state of the complexing agent from its low binding state to its high binding state and forms a complex with the gas. This complex diffuses across the membrane where the reverse redox reaction occurs, converting the complexing agent to the low binding affinity state. The complex dissociates and the gas partitions into the receiving phase. The electric field can be applied as needed to provide a membrane on-off “switch.”
Using the process outlined in Fig. 5, in a batch process mode, we have “pumped” CO2 from a partial pressure of 0.5 kPa up to 100 kPa using the redox and complexation chemistry of simple quinones [5]. In a continuous, proto-membrane format we have “pumped” CO2 from 0.5 kPa to 50 kPa for short periods of time, a 100 times increase in chemical potential!!. The maximum partial pressure difference that can be achieved across an EMC membrane is not easy to calculate. We are addressing this with both experimental and modeling studies. As the partial pressure in the receiving phase increases, CO2 will transport back across the membrane via a solution-diffusion mechanism. Eventually, a steady-state pressure difference is established.
Achieving high performance for EMC membrane transport requires careful attention to the selection of the electrolyte solution used in the membrane. The solution needs to be highly conductive in order to minimize the resistive potential drop between the electrodes that will cause heating at high current densities. A second issue is that the electrolyte solution needs to be non-volatile so that the membrane does not “dry out” during operation. As indicated previously, RTILs (see section 2.0) appear to offer ideal solutions to these issues.
4.2 Future EMC-Membrane Research
In the future, active transport membranes could concentrate toxic vapors for capture and neutralization. Sensors will also beneficial from active transport membranes. Membranes can concentration dilute components providing an increased signal to noise ratio and an expanded signal range. The following outlines these two future research concepts.
4.2.1 EMC-membranes for chemical warfare counter measures.
Copper (II) can catalyze the hydrolysis of various Chemical Warfare (CW) agents. Cu(II) acts as a Lewis acid by complexing with the substrate’s phosphoryl oxygen followed by an attack of the hydroxide ion complex [6]. This illustrates the potential for Cu complexes for CW active transport within RTILs. The agent-Cu complex in an aqueous environment is an intermediate to hydroxide attack; however, the chemistry of the agent-Cu complex in an ionic environment is unknown. The ionic environment or lack of hydroxide may lead to an active transport agent-Cu complex instead of hydrolysis. Cu complexes for active transport are also possible for CW agents that are not catalyzed by Cu(II). For example, Cu(II) could complex with the CW sulfur. Therefore, complexation still occurs even if catalyzed hydrolysis does not. This means that an EMC Cu(II) ßà Cu(I) system could electrochemically pump chemical warfare agents.
4.2.2 Sensors for Chemical Warfare or Landmine Detections
The objective of sensor research is to achieve the greatest sensor sensitivity. Increasing the sensitivity of sensors starts with optimizing the mass transport of the target analyte from the sample media to the sensor probe. Therefore, I propose that active transport membranes, utilizing only a minimal electric current, could selectively concentrate an analyte above its ambient concentration. This “amplification” of the ambient concentration results in a gain in the sensor signal without an increase in the sensor noise.
The use of Active Transport membranes can have several advantages for enhancing the single to noise ratio of a sensor probe:
1. The enhancement of analyte flux as well as selectivity. This translates to less surface area required for a given application in comparison to conventional systems as well as enhancing the sensor signal (analyte concentration).
2. Active transport membrane technology allows continuous or “on demand” use.
5.0 Membrane Condensers – Outstanding SBIR Proposal
This proposal further develops my past microgravity dehumidification work [7,8] for terrestrial applications. Expressed interest for this application include automotive (small and highly efficient units), military (potable water production), and indoor air quality (reduction of pathogen formation). Membrane condensers deliver a system, compared with conventional systems, with higher efficiency, lower health concerns, and smaller packaging. We have preliminary data that a sustained Gregorig Effect occurs in these condensers, increasing the condensation rate by a factor of 2 over conventional systems.
5.1 Membrane Condenser Background
In hydrophilic membrane condensers, the membrane is a barrier between a saturated gas phase (i.e. humid air) and a liquid phase (i.e. coolant water). The coolant water temperature combined with a trans-membrane pressure differential establishes a water flux from the humid air into the coolant water. The optimization of membrane condensers depends on the following three membrane factors [7,8]:
1. Water Contact Angle, a, (low a for ease of start-up)
2. Bubble Point, Pd, (operational stability)
3. Structural Integrity (durability)
Membrane-condensers are rate-based separation processes; therefore, any increase in the rate of condensation reduces the ratio of sensible to latent heat loads on the system; thereby, increasing the energy efficiency of the system. Note that in membrane-condensers water is constantly pulled away from the surface through the membrane pores by the cross-membrane pressure (Fig. 6). No water film forms that would “buffer” the surface properties that facilitate the condensation. In classical terms, the Gregorig Effect is stable and sustainable since no water film forms. The Gregorig Effect [9] gives more than 200% improvement over film condensation [10]. Conventional heat exchangers that take advantage of the Gregorig Effect look like the diagram in Fig. 6 except that the valleys between nucleation sites for condensation do not have outlets; the water accumulates in the valleys. As the valleys fill, every valley becomes a tiny lake that retards heat transfer until gravity draws the condensate away. Nevertheless, the existence of nucleation sites increases the condensation efficiency even in a conventional condenser. In membrane condensers, liquid water is constantly removed, leaving unwetted surface available for sustained nucleation. In fact, membrane condensers are so efficient that during operation the gas side of the membrane remains dry to the touch while producing liquid water condensate from the humid air. The advantage of the dry condensing surface would be true for any non-classical membrane surface characteristics proposed to reduce the energy, size, or weight of the system. The surface properties are always available for condensation. It is interesting to note that in membrane-condenser laboratory experiments [11], the ratio of experimental mass transfer coefficients to the modeled boundary layer mass transfer coefficients ranged from 1.60 to 1.98. This result is consistent with the membrane functioning under a sustained Gregorig Effect.
5.2 Membrane Condensers vs. Traditional Condensers
Through hollow fiber module design, a polymer membrane condenser would have a significant advantage over traditional condensers in package size (vital for vehicle environments such as; automobiles, airplane, and space craft) and pathogen transport control. Hollow fibers would allow the utilization of some unique heat exchanger designs such as the Bend Research Module with its minimal air pressure drop [12] or a humidity "screen" which would dehumidify air with temperature drops within human comfort ranges. The “screen” results from observations of Bandini, et al [13] and Scovazzo [7], which showed that more than 95% of the moisture removal from humid air occurs within a 1cm length of a cellulose ester hollow fiber cartridge [7].
5.3 Future Research Topics – Pathogen Control
Biofilm formation on the membrane-condensing surface is an important area for research. In addition, since heat transfer to the humid air is unnecessary in membrane condensation, why not insulate against it? This question suggests placing a porous membrane between the humid air and the condensing membrane, thereby, establishing a trapped air gap. This gap insulates against heat transfer while the porous membrane allows mass transfer. Of greater importance to the potential energy savings, the gap also provides a barrier to pathogen growth and transport.
6.0 UnderGraduate Research Projects – Example PRO Membranes
My research group has a mixture of graduate students and undergraduate students that work in both independent and team projects. This employment teaming introduces undergraduates to:
· Membrane process design and operation
· Process start-up issues
· Mechanical shop interfacing
· Advanced thermodynamics and fluid dynamics
Example of Undergraduate Research: Liquid Transport by Pressure-Retarded Osmosis
I have two undergraduates testing new membrane designs for Pressure-Retarded Osmosis (PRO). If successful this technology would have a number of applications including the generation of renewable energy from seawater. We are collaborating on this project with researchers at the University of Colorado and the follow gives a sketch of the general research problem.
A well known transport of fluid across a membrane against a hydrostatic pressure gradient is osmosis [14]. Osmotic pressures, p, can be very significant. For example, a 0.1 M solution separated from pure water has p = 250 kPa! The transport of liquids across membranes by osmosis is simple in concept and the theoretical hydraulic pressures are attractive. However, the ability to move significant amounts of water at high pressures will require improvements in membrane materials. Two processes use osmotic membranes; namely, Reverse Osmosis (RO) and PRO. RO-membranes are advanced materials [14]; however, the use of RO membranes in PRO suffers from orders of magnitude reduction in flux due to internal concentration polarization.
Conceptually all RO-membranes contain a skin side and a backing-material side. The skin (≈0.1 mm thick) is the "working" component of the membrane capable of selecting water flux over salt flux. The backing is a porous material attached to the skin for overall mechanical strength. The combined thickness of the membrane is approximately 150 mm [14]. When these membrane materials are used for PRO, internal concentration polarization in the backing results from the solute molecules diffusing in the opposite direction of the water flux. This solute diffusion reduces the driving force. Equivalent hydraulic pressure is a measure of this reduced driving force. RO membranes used in PRO develop equivalent hydraulic pressures 0.01 to 0.001 times the theoretical osmotic pressures. For the example of a 0.1 M solution mentioned above, the effective osmotic pressure available to drive water is 0.25 to 2.5 kPa rather than 250 kPa.
[1] Holbrey, J.D. and Sedden, H.R.; “Ionic Liquids;” Clean Products and Processes 1; 1999.
[2] Welton, T.; “Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids. Solvents for Synthesis and Catalysis;” Chem. Reviews, 99, No. 8, pg. 2071-2083; 1999.
[3] Visser, A.E.; Swatloski, R.P.; and Rogers, R.D.; Green Chemistry; February 2000.
[4] Mahajan, R. and Koros, W.J.; “Factors Controlling Successful Formation of Mixed-Matrix Gas Separation Materials;” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 39, 8, pg. 2692-2696 (2000)
[5] Scovazzo, P.; Poshusta, J.; DuBois, D.; Koval, C.; and Noble, R; “Electrochemical Separation and Concentration of <1% Carbon Dioxide from Nitrogen;” J. of The Electrochemical Society; 150 (5) D91-D98 (2003)
[6] Yang, Y; Baker, J.A. and Ward, J.R., Chem. Reviews, 92, 1729 (1992).
[7] P. Scovazzo, J. Burgos, A. Hoehn, and P. Todd; “Hydrophilic Membrane-Based Humidity Control;” J. Mem. Sci., 149, 69-81 (1998).
[8] “Membrane Porosity and Hydrophilic Membrane-Based Dehumidification Performance,” P. Scovazzo, A. Hoehn, and P. Todd; J. Mem. Sci., 167, 217-225 (2000).
[9] R. Gregorig, Z. Angew. Math. Phys., 5, 36-49 (1954).
[10] E. Bergles, Augmentation of Condensation, in Heat Exchanger Design Handbook, Ed. R. C. Armstrong, Hemisphere Publishing Corp., Washington, DC, pp. 2.6.6.1 – 2.6.6.4 (1983).
[11] P. Scovazzo, Multiple-Phase Mass Transport in Membranes and Porous Media in Low Gravity Experiments, Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (1998).
[12] Newbold, D.D.; McCray, S. B.; Millard, D.L.; Ray, R.; “Performance of a Membrane-Based Condensate-Recovery Heat Exchanger;” Bend Research, Inc.; 26th International Conf. on Env. Systems; Monterey, CA; July 8-11, 1996; SAE Technical Paper # 961356.
[13] Bandini, S.; Gostoli, C.; and Sarti, G.C.; J. Mem. Sci., 73, 217-229 (1992).
[14] Mulder, M.; Basic Principles of Membrane Technology, 2nd ed.; Kluwer Academic Publishers, The
PAST RESEARCH HISTORY
Advanced Life Support in Space.
Research Assistant (Engineer) for BioServe Space Technologies
Process and hardware research and development in multidisciplinary research teams working on advanced life support for spacecraft. Developed processes for microgravity plant growth including a membrane condenser, microgravity irrigation, atmospheric treatment, and environmental controls.
Space shuttle missions STS-77, STS-83, and STS-94.
RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
“Modeling of Two-Phase Flow in Membranes and Porous Media in Microgravity as Applied to Plant Irrigation in Space;” P. Scovazzo, T. Illangasekare, A. Hoehn, & P. Todd; Water Resources Research; Vol. 37, No. 5, pg. 1231-1243, May 2001
“Mass Transport in a Spaceflight Plant Growth Chamber;” A. Hoehn, J. Clawson, A. Heyenga, P. Scovazzo, K. Sterrett, L. Stodieck; P. Todd, & M. Kliss; S.A.E. Transactions; Vol. 107, No. 1; pg 275; 1998
"Membrane-Based Humidity Control in Microgravity: A Comparison of Membrane Material Performance and Design Equations;" P. Scovazzo, P. Todd , J. Burgos, N. Lattarulo, & A. Hoehn; S.A.E. Transactions; Vol. 106, No. 1; pg 488; 1997
“Design, Testing & Operation of Porous Media for Dehumidification and Nutrient Delivery in Microgravity Plant Growth Systems;” Hoehn, Scovazzo, et al.; Inter. Conf. on Env. Systems; SAE Paper #2003-01-2614
"Engineering Aspects of Porous Media for Dehumidification and Nutrient Delivery in Microgravity Plant Growth Systems;" A. Hoehn, et al.; International Conf. on Environ. Systems; San Antonio, TX; 2002
"Microgravity Root Zone Hydration Systems;" A. Hoehn, P. Scovazzo, et al.; 30th International Conf. on Environ. Systems; Toulouse,
"On-Orbit and Ground Performance of PGBA Plant Growth Facility;" A. Hoehn, et al.; 27th International Conf. on Environ. Systems; Lake Tahoe, NV; July 14-17, 1997, SAE Tech. Paper #972366; Warrendale, PA
"Optimizing and Integrating Thermal Control Systems for Space Life Sciences Hardware;" M. B. Horner, A. Hoehn, P. Scovazzo, et al.; 27th Int. Conf. on Env. Systems; Lake Tahoe, NV; July 14-17, 1997, SAE Tech. Paper #972366; Warrendale, PA
Invited Workshop Participant - “Plant Production Systems for Microgravity: Critical issues in water, air and solute transport through unsaturated porous media;” Johnston Space Center, Houston, TX; July 24-25, 2000
Invited Speaker - The Advanced Life Support Group, Kennedy Space Center, Cape Kennedy, FL; Title: “Modeling of Two-Phase Flow in Porous Media in Microgravity;” February 26, 1999
Environmental Site Investigations and Remediations.
Manager of Engineering Services; WAPORA/Kemron Environ. Services, McLean, VA
Program, project, and technical manager/engineer on multimillion dollar, multidiscipline environmental remediation projects. Routinely modeled chemical transport in the environment, designed and implement chemical separation and treatment systems. Point of contact for vice-presidents of Fortune-200 companies and government agencies.
RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS
“Solvent Extraction, Leaching, and Supercritical Fluid Extraction;” P. Scovazzo, W.-Y. Chen, L. Wang, & N. Shammas; Book Chapter in Pollution Control Handbook; Humana Press. (In Press)
"The Environmental Redevelopment of a Railyard and Port Facility;" P. Scovazzo & R.H. Struble; Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 25, No. 3; pg 277-288; 1990
"In-Situ Soil Bioremediation: Or How to Get Nutrients to all the Contaminated Soil;" D. S. Jackson and P. Scovazzo; Superfund XV; Washington D.C.; Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, 1994
"Hazardous Waste Volume Reduction via Dry Physical Separation - A Case Study;" T. L. Gullette and P. Scovazzo; Superfund XV; Washington D.C.; Nov. 29 - Dec. 1, 1994
"Bioremediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soils; The Environmental Restoration of a Former Railyard;" D. S. Jackson and P. Scovazzo; Studies in Eastern Energy and the Environmental, AAPG Eastern Section Meeting; Williamsburg, VA; Sept. 19-21, 1993; AAPG Bulletin, v.77, n.8, p.1470
"Stabilization/Fixation for Reuse; Applying the Bevill Amendment to Soil Remediation;” P. Scovazzo, Superfund XIV Conference and Exhibition, Washington, D.C., Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 1993
"Soil Attenuation - In-Situ Remediation of Inorganics;" P. Scovazzo, D. Sood, and D. S. Jackson; HMC/Superfund '92 Conference, Washington D.C., Dec. 1992
EXAMPLES OF INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS WITH PRINCIPAL INVOLVEMENT
· Managed an $8.5 million Brownfields Redevelopment: Site investigation, remedial investigation, feasibility study, and remediation of a 189-acre railyard and port facility. Innovative investigation, regulatory, and treatment approaches saved the client $3.1 million.
· Modeled and measured the impact of air dispersed hydrogen sulfide on three communities
· Project Manager, human health based risk assessment, Texas State Superfund Program
· Developed and managed an innovative in-situ treatment of heavy metal soil contamination which saved the client $1 million
· Feasibility Leader on two USEPA REM "Superfund" projects
· Project Manager on numerous Brownfields type redevelopments: Site investigations, remediations, and community relations
· Project Manager for a remediation of agricultural land involving waste reduction via a dry physical separation technique.
· Modified soil gas survey techniques for delineation of PCB soil contamination
· Characterize industry generated waste for the RCRA Listing Program
· PCB contaminated wetland, stream, and sludge/water impoundment.
· Remediation of lead contaminated soils in residential areas
Publications by Research Topic
Material Science – Room Temperature Ionic Liquids
“Gas Diffusivity in RTILs;” D. Morgan & P. Scovazzo; Under Development.
“Regular Solution Theory and CO2-Gas Solubility in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids;” P. Scovazzo, D. Camper, J. Kieft, C. Koval, & R. Noble; Ind. & Eng. Chem. Research; 43, 6855-6860, 2004
“Gas Solubilities in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids;” D. Camper, P. Scovazzo, C. Koval, & R. Noble; Ind. & Eng. Chem. Research; 43, 3049-3054, 2004
Membranes and Facilitated Transport Membranes
“Gas Separations Using Non-Hexafluorophosphate [PF6]-Anion Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes;” P. Scovazzo, J. Kieft, D. Finan, C. Koval, D. DuBois, & R. Noble; J. of Mem. Sci.; Vol. 238, pg. 57-63; 2004
“Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes and Facilitated Ionic Liquid Membranes (FILMs);” P. Scovazzo, A. Visser, J. Davis, R. Rogers, C. Koval, D. DuBois, & R. Noble; Chapter 6 in Industrial Applications of Ionic Liquids, Editors R. Rogers & K Seddon; American Chemical Society Books; ISBN: 0-8412-3789-1; 2002
“Modeling of Disjoining Pressure in Submicrometer Liquid-Filled Cylindrical Geometries;” P. Scovazzo & P. Todd; J. of Colloid and Interface Sci.; Vol. 238, pg. 230-237; 2001
“Modeling of Two-Phase Flow in Membranes and Porous Media in Microgravity as Applied to Plant Irrigation in Space;” P. Scovazzo, T. Illangasekare, A. Hoehn, & P. Todd; Water Resources Research; Vol. 37, No. 5, pg. 1231-1243, May 2001
“Methods for Saturating Rigid Porous Membranes with Water;” P. Scovazzo, A. Hoehn, & P. Todd; American Laboratory; March 2000
Electrochemical Modulated Complexations
“Electrochemical Separation and Concentration of <1% Carbon Dioxide from Nitrogen;” P. Scovazzo, J. Poshusta, D. DuBois, C. Koval, & R. Noble; J. of The Electrochemical Society; 150 (5) D91-D98 (2003)
“Membrane Porosity and Hydrophilic Membrane-Based Dehumidification Performance;” P. Scovazzo, A. Hoehn, & P. Todd; Journal of Membrane Science; Vol. 167, pg. 217-225; 2000
“Hydrophilic Membrane-Based Humidity Control;” P. Scovazzo, J. Burgos, A. Hoehn, & P. Todd, Journal of Membrane Science; Vol. 149, pg. 69-81; 1998
"Membrane-Based Humidity Control in Microgravity: A Comparison of Membrane Material Performance and Design Equations;" P. Scovazzo, P. Todd , J. Burgos, N. Lattarulo, & A. Hoehn; S.A.E. Transactions; Vol. 106, No. 1; pg 488; 1997