Student research opportunities

Green nano-membranes for clean water production

Project Code: CECS_1131

This project is available at the following levels:
Masters, PhD
Please note that this project is only for higher degree (postgraduate) applicants.

Keywords:

Nanomaterials, water technology, filtration membrane, health, sustainability

Supervisor:

Assoc Professor Takuya Tsuzuki

Outline:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 80% of illnesses in the developing world are water related. More than million people die every year from diseases caused by bacterial infection due to the poor quality of drinking water. Even in developed countries, water supply has become a serious issue due to the climate change and increasing natural disasters. Nanotechnology is expected to have the potential to address this important global challenge. For example, the high surface areas and high throughputs of nanomaterials are advantageous for nano-filtration of pathogens and contaminants. Nano-scale photocatalysts are useful for decomposition of organic pollutants and microorganisms, by using sunlight as a renewable energy source. This project aims to develop novel nanofiltration membranes made from renewable raw materials. The project will specifically address the use of new nano-membrane for the purpose of removing pathogens from water in natural disaster areas and developing countries. There will be an opportunity to work with Health professionals.

Background Literature

• F. Salamanca-Buentello, D. L. Persad, E. B. Court, D. K. Martin, A. S. Daar, P. A. Singer, PLos Medicine, 2 (2005) 383-386.
• www.oecd.org/sti/nano/47601818.pdf
• R.S. Barhate, S. Ramakrishna, Journal of Membrane Science 296 (2007) 1–8
• L. Zhang, W. Batchelor, S. Varanasi, X. Wang, T. Tsuzuki, Cellulose, 19 (2012) 561-574.
• http://www.merid.org/en/nano-waterworkshop/Documents.aspx
• http://www.iupac.org/publications/ci/2009/3104/3_smith.html

Contact: