Our research includes:

• Production of new membranes,
• Membrane functionalization
• Development of self-monitoring membranes

New membranes

Successful separation processes depends on the productivity and selectivity of the membrane e.g. how much gas or water that can be treated per square root membrane, and how well the molecules and particles are separated. We are developing new ceramic membranes primarily for nanofiltration, pervaporation and membrane distillation – membrane with high productivity, high selectivity and high stability.

In the GO-MAP project, we develop graphene oxide membranes for alcohol dehydration (GO-MAD). Purification of bioethanol to biofuel grade is energy-intensive due to the azeotropic nature of the water-ethanol mixtures. Membranes with high stability, unprecedented water permeability, and high selectivity towards ethanol is prepared by thermal and chemical modification of graphene oxide sheets.

In the Project Ô project, new super-hydrophobic silicon carbide membranes are produced for membrane destillation and crystallization. The hydrophobic membrane prevent water permeation so only vapor pass the membrane. The membrane can be used for production of clean water and recovery of e.g. minerals and valuable organic molecules

Membrane functionalization

We functionalize membranes with thermocatalystic materials. Opposite conventional membranes, thermocatalysic membrane degrade organic pollutants during the filtration process. Further, thermocatalytic membrane can degrade eventual fouling formed on the membrane (self-cleaning membranes).

In the NanoPerWater (EuroStar project), perovskite is used as a thermocatalyst and attached to ceramic membranes to remove and degrade pesticides, hormones, drugs and other micropollutants from water.

Self-monitoring membranes

Membrane fouling is a challenge during membrane separation, which reduces productivity and changes selectivity. Thus, membranes are regularly cleaned. We are currently developing new technologies to monitor fouling on the membrane surface so fouling issues can be detected early (when it is easy to remove) and monitored locally. Opposite most other methods, the we develop sensors that monitors fouling from the surface of the membrane rather from the outside.