Joint R&D on Ukrainian Montmorillonite for PFAS-Related Environmental Applications

The Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of Combustible Minerals of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IGGCM NASU) is seeking European research partners for joint R&D on natural and modified clay materials for environmental applications.

Our expertise includes clay mineralogy, mineralogical and geochemical characterisation of sedimentary materials, quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement. We are developing a research direction focused on Ukrainian Ca-montmorillonite from the Dashukivka site of the Cherkasy bentonite deposit, including controlled modification with organic compounds and mineralogical characterisation of the resulting materials.

We are interested in collaboration within research projects addressing PFAS and other environmental contaminants, particularly with partners specialising in sorption experiments, advanced PFAS analysis, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology and the assessment of environmental impacts.

Potential areas of cooperation include:

• Mineralogical and geochemical characterisation of natural and modified clays;

• Quantitative XRD analysis and evaluation of mineralogical changes associated with modification;

• Joint experimental assessment of the potential of clay-based materials for environmental applications;

• Material development and validation in collaboration with specialist laboratories;

• Participation in collaborative Horizon Europe research proposals.

The sorption performance and practical applicability of the modified materials remain to be established through experimental testing. We are therefore particularly interested in partnerships that combine mineralogical expertise with PFAS analytics, sorption testing and environmental assessment.

We welcome contact from universities, research institutes and companies interested in collaborative research, material characterisation and the development of environmental technologies.