Anti-fouling Membranes - For the resource efficient water treatment of the future
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - SP Kemi, material och ytor, Stockholm |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 057 500 |
| Project duration | November 2016 - October 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Fouling is one of the major challenges in the membrane industry because it is associated with downtime, consumption of water and cleaning chemicals and reduces the life-time of the membrane. A new generation of membrane with anti-fouling properties may therefore be the key to revolutionize today´s technology. The project has developed Graphene Oxide (GO) modified anti-fouling membrane for microfiltration with commercially available GO. These have been optimized and studied in important applications such as treatment of municipal wastewater and flue gas condensate.
Expected results and effects
The project has shown that GrafenOxide added in the manufacture of PVDF microfilter membrane can give anti-microbial effect as well as anti-fouling properties. These can be used to further contribute to the environmental goals: - Reduced emissions of toxic substances - “Non-toxic environment” - Reduced emissions of eutrophic substances - “No eutrophication and the Sea in balance” - Reduced trans-membrane pressure and cleaning frequency as well as efficient separation in chemical processes will reduce resource consumption - “Limited climate impact and fresh air”
Planned approach and implementation
The project is a collaboration between RISE, IVL and Alfa Laval. RISE has developed the membranes, and IVL has studied them for improved treatment of municipal wastewater and flue gas condensate. Alfa Laval has helped with reference membranes, measurements of pore size, as well as expertise in membrane production and use.