SURF Mentoring

Potential projects/topics: Electrodialysis (ED) is gaining interest as a desalination technology. However, ion transport properties of existing ion exchange membranes (IEMs) used in ED are not ideal for many desalination and reuse applications. The higher permeability of divalent ions compared to monovalent ions often lead to depletion of hardness and alkalinity in the product water, and scale formation in the concentrate channel, requiring extensive pretreatment and post-treatment and hence increase in treatment cost. It is important to develop IEMs that provide the desired divalent ion/monovalent ion selectivity in order to minimize water recovery while ensuring product water quality with minimal pretreatment and posttreatment.
We aim to synthesize thin film composite-IEMs with varying ion permselectivity for cation exchange exchange functions and elucidate the impact of the skin layer physicochemical properties on ion permselectivity, permeability, and conductivity of the membrane.

Potential skills gained: Material synthesis, wet chemistry (solution preparation and dilution), operate numerous pieces of lab equipment, experimental design, and fundamental of electrodialysis

Required qualifications:

• Required skills: Strong chemistry background would be beneficial

Direct mentor: Faculty/P.I., Graduate Student