SUPERCLEAN

Upscaling plasma-based techniques for superhydrophobic membranes in membrane distillation.

Water scarcity affects many parts of Europe, and the prediction is that it will increase in the coming years. Water resource management decisions and tools are more important than ever. The application of membrane technologies is being explored for the production of clean water from industrial waste streams in the steel, textile, food and other industries. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed before membrane distillation can be put on the market. The EIC-funded SuperClean project will find solutions by upscaling plasma-based membrane surface treatment techniques for creating superhydrophobic membranes. It will test membrane materials and implement them in full-scale membrane distillation modules. Various wastewater types will be used to evaluate the superhydrophobic membranes’ performance, longevity and anti-fouling properties.