Summary
This award will support research that advances fundamental understanding of bentonite clay, promoting the progress of science and contributing to national infrastructure and water security needs. Bentonite is a natural clay mineral with a unique ability to act like a semi-permeable membrane, slowing the movement of chemicals while still allowing water to pass through. This special property can affect the performance of engineered containment systems for municipal, agricultural, nuclear, and mining wastes. Bentonite membrane behavior is also being leveraged for emerging technologies in water tr
