Membrane Characterization and Design

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I propose to establish a research program on industrial membrane characterization and design. This work would focus initially on membrane processes for water treatment, with subsequent extension to other membrane systems. I propose to investigate identified challenges of existing membrane processes with a view to developing improved membrane materials and process systems. My research would use a variety of methods in order to study membrane performance, including experimental, theoretical, and computational methods. Experimental methods would be the primary method used for characterizing membrane performance. Membrane flux, permeability, and pressure differential are standard measurements, which I propose to couple with imaging techniques such as optical microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Theoretical calculations and simulations are expected to provide additional insight into and validation for experimental observations as well as provide a method of predicting the performance of other membrane configurations. The proposed work is important for several reasons. Membrane separation processes are used throughout industry (e.g., water treatment, food processing, and medical applications) and thus improved membrane performance could help to improve the overall industrial processes through reduced costs and enhanced product quality. With regards to water treatment, reverse osmosis membrane systems already provide safe drinking water to many people around the world, with substantial potential for expansion; however, increased operating costs due largely to fouling continue to pose a challenge for adoption. The portability and scalability of reverse osmosis systems, also, make it an attractive technology for applications such as military deployments. With regards to benefits within the field of membrane science and chemical engineering, I expect my work on one membrane system (e.g., reverse osmosis membranes) to be transferable to similar systems in terms of measurement techniques and thus aid other researchers in their work. Notably, my proposed work with MRI is unique in that it is still a relatively new technique in chemical engineering, with many applications able to benefit from this tool (e.g., fluid dynamics). While several research groups in other departments across Canada employ MRI in experimental settings (e.g., physics, medicine), it is not a well-established tool as it is in chemical engineering departments in other countries (e.g., UK, US, New Zealand). Finally, I expect that the students proposed to be hired for this work would benefit greatly in terms of research training.