Expert Leads Breakthrough in Ammonium Recovery from Wastewater

Paul Akinyemi, an expert in Water-Energy Electrochemical Systems, is at the forefront of sustainable solutions to water-related challenges through electrochemical technologies. His notable work includes the recovery of ammonium, a critical component in wastewater management and resource recovery.

Akinyemi’s research employs electrochemical methods to efficiently extract ammonium from wastewater streams, reducing environmental pollution and enabling the reuse of this valuable compound as fertilizer or in industrial applications. This innovative approach could transform wastewater treatment plants into resource recovery hubs.

With extensive experience in energy storage applications, including desalination batteries, material characterization, and optimization of electrochemical systems, Akinyemi has demonstrated significant accomplishments in the field.

In a notable development, Akinyemi and his team have unveiled the potential of copper hexacyanoferrates (CuHCFs) in selectively recovering ammonium from wastewater. Their study, published in the Journal of Environmental Science & Technology Letters, showcases the use of CuHCFs as ion-conducting channels integrated into a cation exchange membrane (CEM) through a straightforward layer-by-layer precipitation method. This innovation enhances the membrane’s ability to selectively recover ammonium ions (NH4+) from wastewater, crucial for nitrogen-based fertilizers.

The improved performance of the CuHCF-CEM is due to the unique properties of the CuHCF layer, which boosts ion conduction and selectivity. This proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of CuHCFs in electro-driven membrane processes, paving the way for efficient ammonia recovery from wastewater.

Akinyemi stated, “This innovative approach not only provides a method for recovering valuable resources from wastewater but also aligns with the principles of sustainable development by reducing waste and promoting resource recycling.”

The successful implementation of CuHCF-CEM in wastewater treatment plants could revolutionize the industry, supporting environmental sustainability and offering economic benefits by creating value from wastewater byproducts.