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Project title

New Nano-Structured Polymeric Membranes for the Treatment and Purification of Water.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Maynooth University (MU)

Lead Applicant

Denise Rooney

Project Abstract

Membrane technologies are an established means for producing potable water from surface water, groundwater and industrial wastewaters. However, even the best performing nanofiltration membranes suffer from fouling, limiting their usefulness in water treatment. We propose two new related strategies in an attempt to address this problem. The first involves chemical modification of polyamide (nylon) nanofiltration membranes with polymeric brushes so that the fouling components are prevented from reaching the membrane. The second approach involves the deposition of polypyrrole nanofibres onto nylon supports and using the exchange properties of these nanofibres to extract cationic (heavy metal) and nitrates from water. This research encompasses elements of synthesis, electrochemistry, polymers, membrane technologies, environmental nanotechnologies and water treatment and is highly novel. Accordingly, we expect this work to lead to the publication of six peer-reviewed papers, six conference papers, the establishment of new collaborative links with national and international academic groups, industrial researchers and policy makers and form the basis for future policy documents on water resources. The research training element of the work will provide new highly trained and skilled researchers in nanotechnologies for environmental applications, contributing to the establishment of a critical mass of Irish researchers in this new emerging field.

Grant Approved

�279,383.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Protecting our Water Resources

Start Date

14/09/2009

Initial Projected Completion Date

14/09/2012