NATIOMEM

Nano-structured TiON Photo-Catalytic Membranes for Water Treatment

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'More than 1.2 billion people, mostly in poor regions, suffer from water scarcity, due to a global shortfall of potable water caused by population growth, over-exploitation, and pollution. NATIOMEM proposes to alleviate this by developing novel technology for treating contaminated surface and waste water so that it will be potable. This technology will not require electrical power, chemicals or other logistical support, and hence will be suitable for poor areas lacking infrastructure. The technology uses membranes functionalized with a photocatalytic material, eg. N-doped TiO2 (TiON). Raw water will be directed through the membrane while it is exposed to solar radiation. The membrane will filter out particles and micro-organisms larger than the its pore size, and TiON photocatalysis will kill micro-organisms, decompose and mineralize organic pollutants, and oxidize dissolved metals, thus providing a one-step treatment against a broad spectrum of contaminants. In the NATIOMEM project, functionalized membranes will be developed with two approaches: (1) coating conventional membranes with TiON nanostructured films, using several candidate deposition methods, and (2) electrospinning TiON fibers, from which membranes will be fabricated. The functionalized membranes will be characterized for their morphological, physical, mechanical, chemical, and in particular, their photocatalytic properties, and the most effective will be extensively tested to determine their pollution abatement mechanisms and kinetics. A pilot plant incorporating these photocatalytic membranes will be designed, and field tested in the Middle East and in Africa. The results of these tests will be correlated with potential end-user requirements to set the stage for industrial exploitation. Achieving this result will be a breakthrough in water purification and reclamation technology, advancing far beyond the state of the art with a system which is simple, solar enabled, and chemical free.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Access to water fit to drink is threatened by increasing contamination and water scarcity. New water treatment technology requiring minimal electricity and infrastructure could provide important relief.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Increasing population growth and human activities are putting severe pressure on our planet's sustainability. Availability of clean water has long been a major challenge in the Middle East and South Africa, and is a growing concern in western countries. Around the globe, technology to reclaim contaminated surface water and wastewater will have important impact on the quality of life of all citizens.

EU-funded scientists developed new membranes for water treatment technologies within the scope of the project 'Nano-structured TiON photo-catalytic membranes for water treatment' (http://www.natiomem.eu/ (NATIOMEM)) . The porous substrate combining ceramic and metal membrane filters out particles and microorganisms larger than the pore size. A photocatalytic coating based on titanium oxide is activated by sun light to kill microorganisms, decompose and mineralise organic pollutants, and oxidise dissolved metals.

The NATIOMEM project is focused on production of safe drinking water in rural areas of South Africa, and on remediation of grey wastewater for toilet flushing and irrigation to be implemented on rooftops in Jordan's urban areas. Laboratory test results were quite promising and three pilot plants were used to evaluate the membranes' performance.

Scientists provided updated recommendations regarding the design and application of the photocatalytic membranes. Realistic use scenarios requiring efficient pre-filtration and recirculation of water for multiple passes and anti-fouling activity were included. The technology is now poised to provide simple, effective and economical water treatment in regions of extreme water scarcity.In addition to applications in water treatment, several novel coating techniques developed within the scope of the NATIOMEM project show promise for future use in hydrogen production plants and third-generation solar cells. Results have been published in seven peer-reviewed scientific publications as well as communicated at numerous conferences and workshops.

The NATIOMEM project has produced filtration membranes that have the potential to significantly increase the commercial competitiveness of partners. Exploitation of the proposed water treatment process could also have important impact on the availability of clean drinking water in challenged regions such as the Middle East and South Africa. With both rural and urban applications, opportunities abound for exploitation.