The aim of the project is to develop more durable and efficient cellulose membranes for separation processes. Cellulose membranes possess many favorable properties, such as hydrophilicity and thus a high filtration capacity. However, the weaknesses of cellulose membranes need to be improved in order to fully realize their potential for wider applications, for example, for the removal of pharmaceutical residues from wastewater. In this project, the separation capability and durability of cellulose-based membranes will be improved by coating them with polyelectrolytes or natural phenolic compounds. These coatings are intended to prevent the membranes from degrading due to the effects of microbes and enzymes, as well as to tailor their separation properties for various applications. The research combines computational methods (mainly at UEF) and experimental approaches (mainly at LUT) in an innovative way to manufacture membranes with the desired functionality.

2026

2030