Thomas McKean Develops Nanotech Filter for Water Treatment

Thomas McKean uses nanotechnology to create membrane filters combating harmful algal blooms and improving water treatment.

University of Arkansas graduate student Thomas McKean is applying nanotechnology to leave a remarkable contribution to water treatment. Originally from Vermont, a state known for its beauty, McKean holds a special regard for nature and is dedicated to creating novel membrane technologies that meet environmental challenges of clean water and alternative energy.

McKean's research targets harmful algal blooms in particular, which have made bodies of water such as Lake Fayetteville miserable. His team has developed a membrane filter that can eliminate 99.9% of toxins released by the blooms, which have limited activities such as swimming at the lake for decades. The filter technology has the potential to revolutionize water treatment not only locally but also around the world, since similar toxins appear in water supplies throughout the United States and even in nations such as China and England.

"Membranes are very versatile for uses such as water treatment, catalysis, and energy storage," McKean said. His work is about tweaking polymer-based membranes to make them more efficient at separating and purifying toxic contaminants from water.

In addition to his research, McKean is also interested in commercialization, and the University of Arkansas' program with an entrepreneurial focus provided him with useful experience in how to move lab-scale technologies to practical applications. He hopes to scale up his water treatment technology to fight harmful algal blooms globally, providing cleaner, safer water sources.

McKean also guides undergraduate students to realize that research is a possible and fulfilling process. Following the completion of his doctorate, McKean will be working in the industry, where he will try to fill the gap between academia and practical applications, enabling the realization of emerging technologies.