NANOSELECT · Functional membranes/ filters with anti/low-fouling surfaces for water purification through selective adsorption on biobased nanocrystals and fibrils

NanoSelect aims to design, develop and optimize novel bio-based foams/filters/membranes/adsorbent materials with high and specific selectivity using nanocellulose/nanochitin and combinations thereof for decentralized industrial and domestic water treatment. NanoSelect proposes a novel water purification approach combining the physical filtration process and the adsorption process exploring the capability of the nanocellulose and/or nanochitin (with or without functionalization) to selectively adsorb, store and desorb contaminants from industrial water and drinking water while passing through a highly porous or permeable membrane. Stable membranes/ filters that withstand the flux, pressure etc during the purification process with out compromising on the perm selectivity will be developed by methodologies including control of pore size, orientation of pores, layered multiple functionality, ALD treatment of the porous surface etc. Functional external stimuli sensitive filter surfaces for reduced bio fouling and enhanced filter cleaning or intelligent design of membrane modules allowing self cleaning will be attempted for antifouling and to increase the service-life of the membranes.NanoSelect focuses on the design, development and testing of membrane based prototypes in collaboration with industry with specific focus on the removal of toxic chemicals, heavy metal ions, pesticides, fertilizers etc from contaminated industrial water and portable modules with high selectivity towards bacteria for drinking water. In addition, the membranes will be evaluated for disposal by composting and its impact on environment, at the end-of-life.These biobased functional membranes provides a highly energy efficient but cheaper, biodegradable, non-toxic and green substrate for water treatment. The successful completion of NanoSelect will have far-reaching impact in decentralised water treatment technolog in developing, transitional as well as the industralised countries