Date of Award

Fall 10-2021

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

School

Polymer Science and Engineering

Committee Chair

Derek Patton

Committee Chair School

Polymer Science and Engineering

Committee Member 2

Sarah Morgan

Committee Member 2 School

Polymer Science and Engineering

Committee Member 3

Chris Griggs

Committee Member 3 School

Polymer Science and Engineering

Abstract

Chitosan graphene composites were fabricated and characterized as a management strategy for harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by various species of cyanobacteria. These chitosan graphene materials were compared to previously studied chitosan graphene-oxide composites in both material properties and HAB treatment. In previous studies, adsorption of the cyanobacteria onto the surface of the composite materials has been observed. Investigations of the pure materials for these composites are also included in this study to determine whether removal is a result of charge interactions with the composite, or as an inherent property of the graphene or graphene oxide. Initial results suggest that composites may be effective in removal of some strains cyanobacteria. he mechanism for removal is not currently known, but the effectiveness of the pure graphene and graphene oxide for treating HABs was successfully transferred into the polymer matrix. The chitosan graphene composite and the graphene are also able to remove the toxin produced by the algae.

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