Krishane N. Supnet, Marian Eira M. Juan, and Anthony Jayson B. Alipio, BS Chemical Engineering students, successfully defended their undergraduate thesis entitled "PAN/PVP/CD-MOF nanocomposite beads for efficient adsorption of perfluorooctanoic acid in water," April 20, 2026, at the Roque Ruaño Building.

The research addresses growing concerns over the persistence of perfluorinated compounds in aquatic systems, focusing on Perfluorooctanoic acid, a widely detected contaminant associated with industrial processes and consumer products. Known for its resistance to degradation and potential health risks, PFOA has become a priority pollutant in global water treatment efforts.

The student researchers developed a novel adsorbent composed of polyacrylonitrile and polyvinylpyrrolidone integrated with cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks. The resulting PAN/PVP/CD-MOF nanocomposite beads were engineered to combine structural stability with high affinity binding sites, targeting enhanced adsorption performance in aqueous environments. The bead form also allows easier handling and recovery compared to powdered materials, offering practical advantages for water treatment applications.

Experimental evaluations demonstrated strong adsorption capacity and favorable kinetics for PFOA removal, supported by surface functionality and porosity introduced by the cyclodextrin-based framework. The study highlights the synergistic effect of polymer blending and MOF incorporation in improving contaminant uptake, suggesting a viable pathway for scalable adsorbent design.

The successful defense marks a significant academic milestone for the researchers, reflecting their technical preparation and commitment to addressing real-world environmental challenges through advanced materials development.