# CAREER: Elucidating the Underlying Mechanisms of the Oxidative Degradation of Amine-functionalized Sorbent Materials

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Florida Atlantic University (FL) · $569,156

## Abstract

Amine-modified materials are porous structures chemically modified to promote certain reactions.  They improve air quality by removing noxious gases and harmful organic vapors.  They also remove heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) known as “forever chemicals.”  However, amine-modified materials encounter hot air during their synthesis and operation.  Exposure to hot air triggers unwanted reactions that damage the material and shortens its lifetime.  This project will carry out a series of experiments to identify the molecular-level events that lead to degradation of amine-modified materials. The results will lead to longer-lasting, more reliable materials for cleaner air and water. The project will support the professional development of engineers and scientists.  It will engage middle- and high-school students in hand-on learning activities.  It will also equip science teachers with classroom materials to connect the research to real-world challenges.  Project outcomes will bolster U.S. energy security and advanced manufacturing by providing important materials for power generation and fossil fuel purification.

This project will elucidate fundamental chemical principles governing oxidative degradation in immobilized amines by systematically probing molecular-level support-amine interactions. Precisely engineered surface modification of porous supports will be integrated with advanced spectroscopic techniques, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and complementary structural characterization tools to delineate the roles of transition metals, heteroatoms, surface hydroxyl density, and amine aggregation in dictating thermo-oxidative stability. The project will decouple the intertwined effects of support chemistry, amine structure, and local microenvironment on degradation pathways and kinetics and byproduct formation. The outcomes will establish a predictive mechanistic framework linking sorbent physicochemical properties to amine stability an

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2542628
- **Awardee organization:** Florida Atlantic University (FL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** Q266L2NDAVP1
- **PI:** Masoud Jahandar Lashaki
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
- **Estimated total:** $569,156
- **Funds obligated:** $569,156
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2026 → 06/30/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2542628

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2542628, CAREER: Elucidating the Underlying Mechanisms of the Oxidative Degradation of Amine-functionalized Sorbent Materials. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2542628. Licensed CC0.

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