Smart Polymer Hydrogels for Simultaneous Waste Heat Utilisation and Wastewater Treatment for Sustainable Manufacturing

该项目旨在开发双功能、温度敏感型聚合物水凝胶，作为连续、正向渗透废水处理过程的牵引剂。它打算利用中低温废热作为绿色输入到该过程中，从而显著降低废水处理成本和淡水消耗，同时有效利用制造业产生的废热。这项研究的成果旨在为澳大利亚研究人员提供一个独特的机会，使其成为快速崛起的高能效正向渗透技术的世界领先者，该技术不仅与废水处理非常相关，而且与海水淡化非常相关。

This project aims to develop dual-functionality, temperature-responsive polymer hydrogels as draw agents for continuous, forward osmosis wastewater treatment processes. It intends to use low–and-medium temperature waste heat as a green input into the process and thus significantly reduce the costs of wastewater treatment, and fresh water consumption, whilst effectively utilising waste heat generated in the manufacturing industry. The outcomes of this research aim to provide a unique opportunity for Australian researchers to become world leaders in the rapidly-emerging, energy-efficient forward osmosis technology which is very relevant not only to wastewater treatment, but also to desalination.