Image from the US Bureau of Reclamation

Surface modification and structural identification are the key.

Development of ultrathin designed multi-layer polymeric membranes requires unique chemistry and sophisticated analytical techniques to determine chemical distribution across the 1000 angstrom layers. Collaboration across departments and national laboratories allows for this k edge scanning transmission x-ray microscopy with 10 nm resolution of an RO membrane. This unique study gives layer by layer determination of chemical moieties. [Mitchell, Mickols, Hernandez-Cruz, Hitchcock,Polymer 52 (2011) 3956-3962]. 

September, 2005, The EUWP was deployed during the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

New membrane chemistries and new process designs were combined with this US government program on the next generation mobile water purifier. It decreased the size of the membrane unit by 40% and improved water purity. The same modifications can be used to lower energy and capital costs. I lead the FilmTec program of patented new chemistry, membrane development and new designs.

example projects

Areas Where I Can Help

Brief History

2011-2013 Principal Scientist at ConocoPhillips and Phillips 66.

1986-2010 Lead Scientist at the FilmTec Corp. A wholly owned subsidiary of Dow Chemical.

1982-1986 Visiting Scientist at The University of California in the Department of Chemistry (Berkeley)

PhD. Physical chemistry from the University of New Mexico

Lead the chemistry exploration program at FilmTec. Developed, field trialed, and commercialized FilmTec reverse osmosis membranes for 10 years. Patented unique high efficiency seawater plant design. Helped design and debug problems at commercial, municipal, and large seawater projects.  Lead numerous outside interactions MAST, NAMS, EUWP, multiple outside contracts, external evaluation, and potential in-licensing.

Extensive knowledge of the water business including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and ion exchange in the household, industrial, municipal, recycle and seawater markets, and sustainable practices.

Expert in establishing patent walls and defensive strategies.

Expert in interfacial chemistry, membrane structures derived from precipitation, analysis of ultrathin layers, interfacial chemistry, fouling, polymer chemistry, and surface modification.

45+ patents and patent applications.

Thirty+ publications.

Authored five book chapters.

2009 ACS National Award Winner (Mickols, Cadotte), Heroes of Chemistry, For Advances in Reverse Osmosis 

2007 Awarded the DOW Excellence in Science Award for Contribution to Membrane Technology