Session: Analytical Division Poster:

Water plays an essential role in our lives. It is used by all parts of our body to help regulate temperature and maintain other bodily functions. Pollution caused by industrialization and population growth has led to water shortage and it is affecting humans by lowering their quality of life. One of the main solutions for this challenge is water purification. There is great interest in 2D material molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) for water filtration membrane applications. In our previous studies, it was noted that MoS₂-based water filtration membranes were extremely sensitive to a trace amount of nitrate at a concentration of just a few parts per millions. This sensitivity could be due to the reaction of nitrate with MoS₂. To understand the chemical stability of MoS₂ in a diverse environment, further research needs to be conducted. In this study, we determine how MoS₂membranes withstand in an aqueous environment containing selected chemicals, including nitrite, nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, etc. MoS₂ nanocrystals are synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction and the membranes are prepared by vacuum filtration. The reactions of MoS₂ with the chemicals are monitored by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, XPS, IR, etc.

Dr. Wei Zhao

Professor, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

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