A Low Fouling Superhydrophilic Hybrid Membrane from Lignocellulose for Wastewater Treatment

Background:

Effective wastewater treatment, particularly through ultrafiltration, faces significant challenges due to the limitations of current commercial membrane technologies. Existing ultrafiltration membranes are predominantly fabricated from synthetic, petroleum-derived polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polysulfone (PS), and polyethersulfone (PES). A primary concern with these materials is their non-biodegradable nature, contributing to environmental pollution and resource depletion. Furthermore, these conventional polymeric membranes are highly susceptible to fouling, a phenomenon where contaminants accumulate on the membrane surface, leading to reduced permeate flux and separation efficiency, necessitating frequent cleaning or replacement. This susceptibility to fouling, coupled with their fossil-based origin and often complex manufacturing processes, drives a critical need for more sustainable, cost-effective, and high-performing alternatives that can resist fouling and are derived from environmentally benign sources.

Technology Overview:

Researchers at Stony Brook University developed a low-fouling, superhydrophilic hybrid ultrafiltration membrane developed from renewable lignocellulosic sources. It incorporates less than 1% non-spherical silica and a wet-strength aid, which maintains the membrane's wet strength and aids in silica retention and cross-linking. This membrane features high porosity and superhydrophilic characteristics, contributing to its low-fouling properties. It achieves comparable performance to commercial fossil-based membranes, demonstrating permeate flux over 55 Lm-2h-1 and separation efficiency over 99% in ultrafiltration tests.

Advantages:

• Enhanced hydrophilicity leading to reduced fouling
• Comparable or superior permeate flux and separation efficiency
• Biodegradability and sustainability
• Cost-effectiveness
• Simplified fabrication process

Applications:

• Industrial and Municipal Wastewater Treatment
• Potable and Process Water Purification
• Food and Beverage Processing
• Biopharmaceutical and Chemical Separations
• Medical Applications

Intellectual Property Summary:

PCT Application Filed

Stage of Development:

Prototype Available

Licensing Status:

Available 

Licensing Potential:

Development partner - Commercial partner - Licensing