Identification of phenomena and mechanisms involved in mineral and protein/peptide fouling on ion-exchange membranes during electromembrane processes

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Electromembrane processes use an electric field as the driving force and membranes to perform the separation. Despite their strong potential of applications in food, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, one of the common problems of these processes is fouling of ion-exchange membranes. Many factors intrinsic to the solution to be treated such as its composition and pH determined the nature of the charged species to migrate across the membrane or to adsorb and have an impact on the protonation state of chemical groups fixed on the membrane matrix. In this context, the specific objectives of the proposed 5 years research program will be to 1) study the impact of different types and parameters of electric field on electromembrane processes performances, membrane structure and mineral fouling formation mechanisms and nature, 2) understand the impact of working under or over the limiting current density on the structure of ion-exchange membranes and protein-peptide/membrane interactions and, 3) demonstrate the feasibility to mitigate protein-peptide fouling at the interface of ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) and improve process performances during electrodialysis with bipolar membranes (EDBPM) and electrodialysis with filtration membrane (EDFM) of complex food model solutions by using optimized electric field parameters. By understanding fouling, this research program will generate precious information on fouling of IEMs currently used in electromembrane processes. This fundamental research program joined to the industrial transfer approach of the candidate is susceptible to generate highly competitive scientific information as well as to largely contribute to the emergence of innovative concepts and new technologies. This research program will be an unique opportunity for the formation of highly qualified personal.