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Development of intensified water treatment concepts by integrating nano- and membrane technologies (Nametech)
Start date: Jun 1, 2009, End date: May 31, 2012 PROJECT  FINISHED 

The Nametech project harnesses benefits of nanotechnology to bring about improvements in membrane filtration for advanced water treatment. The general objective is to strengthen the European membrane market by making nanotechnology available to large scale European membrane manufacturers. A unique feature of the project is the knowledge transfer between the experienced membrane manufacturer Norit and the coating expert and new-comer to the membrane field Agfa Gevaert. The S&T focus is on the use of nano-structured materials to alter the physical and chemical properties of polymeric ultrafiltration membranes and thereby improving the filtration performance at macroscale installations. The project aims at adapting commercial nanoparticles such as TiO2 and Ag for the modification of UF membranes to reduce fouling, and thus improve its permeability (i.e. Technology Path 1). In Technology Path 2 and 3, the potential of using active nanoparticles, such as bionano-catalysts, in combination with membranes is examined to remove micropollutants such as chlorinated compounds, nitroaromatic compounds or redox active metals, thus improving the water quality. A specific novelty is the development of an integrated permeate channel concept, whereby the nanoparticles are embedded in 3D textiles, functioning as membrane support and permeate channel. The nanoparticles will be deposited on the membrane surface or embedded in the membrane (mixed matrix). The S&T challenges regarding the modification of the nanoparticles, the deposition of the nanoparticles on membrane surface as well as the production of nano-activated membranes (NAMs) will be addressed in WP 1, 2 and 3. The newly developed NAMs will be tested at laboratory scale (WP 4) before selecting the most promising concept for testing at pilot scale (WP 5). The activities will be complemented by a toxicological study and the application of LCA to assess the environmental impacts (WP 6). The high industrial involvement puts a strong focus on the exploitation strategies and handling IPR issues (WP 7).
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