Overview of GLOIO Technology

  • Globular Polymer Block Ion Exchange (GLOIO) represents an innovative advancement in water treatment, offering ion-exchange sorption with over 200x higher sorption kinetics compared to conventional ion exchange materials. Charged PFAS/PFOS, dyes, surfactants, sulphates, nitrates and heavy metals can be instantly removed.
  • Molecular self-assembly process starting from polyphenols, furfural and ion exchange or chelating agents, yields materials with microporous structures and exceptionally high specific surface areas—up to 450 m²/g—which are critical for effective contaminant sorption and boosted kinetics.

Synthesis and Formation Process

Preparation of the
Prepolymer Solution:

  • A prepolymer solution is formulated using selected monomers (multiatomic phenols, furfural, and special additives for anionic exchange/cationic exchange/chelating properties) under controlled acidic conditions.

  • Under these conditions, the resin molecules polymerize and self-assemble into uniform microglobules, initiating the formation of a porous structure.

Casting and Final Crosslinking:

  • The prepolymer solution is cast into specially designed molds to achieve a precisely defined shape, ensuring uniformity and structural integrity in the final product.

  • Final crosslinking (curing) is performed under rigorously controlled conditions, ensuring optimal polymerization, structural stability, and long-term durability of the material.
  • A homogeneous distribution of micropores throughout the polymer block.

  • High mechanical strength, which is essential for operational robustness in water treatment applications.

Prior Art and Limitations

  • Traditionally, microporous polymer materials were utilized primarily for mechanical microfiltration and coalescence.

  • Their inherent sorptive properties, however, were modest, significantly limiting their effectiveness in contaminant removal applications and restricting their use in advanced water treatment processes.

  • The breakthrough in GLOIO technology came with the development of a novel method to impart ion exchange capabilities to these materials, expanding their applicability to a wider range of industrial and environmental purification systems.

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid adsorption on GLOIO matrix

Functionalization for Ion Exchange

Innovative Modification:

  • A novel, efficient method was developed to modify the polymer, converting it into a tailored ion exchange or chelating matrix.

  • This modification process integrates functional groups into the polymer structure, thereby enhancing its sorptive capabilities.

Enhanced Sorption Properties:

  • The modified GLOIO blocks can effectively absorb charged contaminants from aqueous solutions.

  • Targeted pollutants include:
  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS/PFOS).

  • Anionic and cationic dyes.

  • Surfactants, nitrates and sulphates.
  • The blocks also eliminate water color, an important factor in potable and process water applications.

Performance Across Concentration Ranges:

  • The ion exchange functionality is highly effective across a wide range of influent concentrations—from tens of nanograms per liter to several milligrams per liter.

  • For example, the sorptive capacity for PFOA can reach up to 400 mg per gram of polymer, effectively reducing contaminant levels to below detectable limits in treated water.

Operational Configurations and System Design

Non-Regenerable Systems:

  • A novel, efficient method was developed to modify the polymer matrix with subsequent casting it into blocks with ion exchange or chelating properties.

  • This modification process integrates functional groups into the polymer, thereby enhancing its sorptive capabilities against charged molecules and heavy metals .

Regenerable Systems for
industrial Applications:

In scenarios requiring continuous or large-scale water treatment—such as industrial processes involving the removal of PFAS/PFOS, anionic dyes, and surfactants—a regenerable system is preferable.

Regeneration Process:

 

  • The GLOIO modules are regenerated using a sodium chloride solution in methanol.

  • For PFAS/PFOS removal, the regeneration process is enhanced by subsequent treatment of the regeneration solution using Pulsed Corona Discharge Reduction (PCDR), ensuring the final destruction of residual contaminants.

  • In the case of anionic dyes and surfactants, the regeneration involves:
  • Recovering the adsorbed substances by distilling methanol from the modules.

  • Recycling the recovered methanol back into the regeneration process, thereby improving overall efficiency and sustainability.

Integration with Advanced Plasma Treatment (PCDR/PCDO)

Hybrid Treatment Strategy:

One of the most promising applications of GLOIO for eliminating PFAS/PFOS in low concentrations is its integration with advanced plasma treatment methods, particularly PCDR. For removal of dyes and surfactants, integration with PCDO is advisable. In some complex cases, sequences like GLOIO/PCDR/PCDO or Electrochemical Oxidation/PCDR/GLOIO can be implemented.

Mechanism of Synergy:

  • In a combined system, GLOIO modules reduce the concentration of PFAS/PFOS to levels below the detection limit in the treated water.

  • The regeneration solutions, enriched with high concentrations of fluorinated chemicals (ranging between 1 and 10 mg/L), are then processed via PCDR.

  • Advantages of PCDR Integration:
  • PCDR operates as a reductive treatment method, consuming minimal energy for halogenated chemicals reduction without affecting non-halogenated organics.
  • This feature makes it particularly suitable for handling methanol concentrates, which typically pose challenges for oxidative methods due to high TOC levels. Waters with high initial TOC and COD, as well as waters with high salts contents and extreme pH, can easily be treated.
  • Integration with PCDO
  • For surfactants, dyes and color removal with GLOIO, in many cases alkaline NaCl regeneration is possible. In these cases, we recommend PCDO for the treatment of concentrates, ensuring the discharge of non-toxic waters.

Advantages and Applications of
GLOIO Technology

PCDO technology is versatile and finds use in a wide range of water treatment and
remediation scenarios:

High Efficiency and Versatility:

  • The unique microporous structure and high specific surface area of GLOIO materials ensure efficient sorption even at low contaminant concentrations.

  • The capability for functional modification extends the applicability of GLOIO across a broad spectrum of charged pollutants.

Robust Mechanical Properties:

  • The high mechanical strength of the polymer blocks guarantees long-term durability and resistance to harsh operating conditions.

  • This robustness is essential for both disposable systems in drinking water treatment and regenerable industrial applications.

Economic and Environmental Benefits:

Economic and Environmental Benefits:

The option for regeneration in industrial systems reduces waste and operational costs, improving both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. By enabling multiple reuse cycles, it minimizes raw material consumption, extends the lifespan of filtration media, and decreases landfill waste. This approach enhances system performance, lowers expenses, reduces energy consumption, decreases emissions, optimizes resource utilization, minimizes environmental impact, and supports sustainability goals in modern industrial operations.

Integrated Water Purification:

Integrated Water Purification:

When combined with plasma treatment methods like PCDR/PCDO, GLOIO provides a comprehensive solution that meets rigorous modern water treatment standards by:

  • Achieving near-complete removal of contaminants.

  • Maintaining the chemical integrity of the water.

  • Optimizing energy consumption and overall process efficiency.

Conclusion

  • Globular Polymer Block Ion Exchange (GLOIO) is a multifaceted technology that leverages advanced polymer chemistry and innovative functional modifications to deliver superior water purification performance.

  • The integration of ion exchange functionality within a robust microporous matrix allows for the effective removal of a wide array of charged pollutants with superior treatment speed (low contact time).
  • Whether implemented as a non-regenerable filter for drinking water or as a regenerable module within an industrial system, GLOIO meets and exceeds contemporary water treatment demands.

  • The synergistic combination of GLOIO with advanced plasma treatments, such as PCDR, further enhances its capability, ensuring that treated water reaches the highest quality standards while maintaining energy efficiency and process sustainability.