Photo-tuning membranes for molecular separation (PhotoBrane)

The separation of molecules and ions by membranes is essential for the separation of gases, purification of water, energy conversion and storage, and many other applications, and is therefore of crucial technological importance for achieving the sustainable development goals "clean water and sanitation", "affordable and clean energy", and "climate action" defined by the UN. The membranes established to date suffer either from a poor compromise between permeability and selectivity or from fouling. Innovative concepts to extend the lifetime of membranes and to improve their separation performance are urgently needed to achieve the aforementioned goals as quickly as possible. PhotoBrane will train a new generation of leading experts in a completely new approach to membrane technology to take separation performance and longevity to a new level. Our research will be built on the most modern membrane materials, investigated by PhotoBrane’s PIs. In our new research approach, we are exploring how to use photochemistry methods to develop photo-switching regimes of the membrane’s wettability to prevent their fouling. To achieve unprecedented separation performance, we take the photoswitching a step further and investigate the influence of photo-tuning the structure, porosity, and polarity of dye-loaded membranes on their function in gaseous and liquid media. Through this research, the doctoral researchers receive interdisciplinary training and, through secondments to industrial partners, gain insights into various topics of photo- and material chemistry as well as membrane technology. The excellent research is carried out at renowned European centers of membrane research and photochemistry. The mobility within the network, combined with excellent research and training, creates a highly synergistic framework for success. This ensures an efficient transfer of excellent academic results to industry through a new generation of entrepreneurial and highly skilled scientists.