Thermorseponsive polymers are made up of monomers and have an unusual property in that they dissolve when the temperature of the aqueous solution they are in is lower and solidify (precipitate) when it is higher. Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) is the temperature at which a thermoresponsive polymer under goes a phase transition due to gradual changes in temperature.
They have also shown amazing property of adsorbing and removing toxic organic compounds and heavy metals from impure water. These two properties have grabbed the attention of researchers and researches are going on to use them as flocculants in waste water treatment.
The aim of the project is to synthesise thermoresponsive polymers of various kind, characterise them using NMR and FT-IR and asses their effectiveness in removing waste from water. ICP-OES and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques will be used for the analyses of water samples.
I would like to work in analytical chemistry environment. I have also interest in teaching.