New materials to remove harmful air and water pollutants
Project 4 - Advancing VOC Treatment with Novel Materials and Processes
Using novel materials and processes to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air and water to help people at risk for heart and metabolic diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112469 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will develop and test engineered materials that break down VOCs in both air and water using light and microwave energy. Researchers are creating nanomaterials that heat at their surfaces under microwaves and metal/oxide hybrids that combine light-driven and heat-driven chemistry to oxidize pollutants. The work aims for flexible systems that use low energy, no added chemicals, and produce no harmful byproducts. Most work is lab-based with the goal of producing technologies that could later be used in cleanup sites and building-level pollution controls.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living near VOC-contaminated sites or with cardiovascular or metabolic conditions who are concerned about pollutant exposure would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People whose conditions are unrelated to environmental VOC exposure or who live in areas without VOC contamination are unlikely to see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these technologies could lower community and household exposure to VOCs and reduce risks for related cardiometabolic conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab-scale photothermal and microwave-enhanced remediation approaches have shown promise, but these specific materials and integrated processes remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fortner, John — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Fortner, John
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.