SUPERHYDROPHOBIC NANOFIBER MEMBRANES FOR MEMBRANE DISTILLATION PROCESS

Membrane distillation (MD) is an alternative solution for water desalination which is relatively new technology, low cost, energy saving alternative to conventional separation process and has not been used in the industry yet due to material limit. Membrane distillation modules supported by nanofiber MD membranes offer major advantages over the commercial membranes.In this project, highly porous and hydrophobic nanofiber membranes will be prepared for fresh water.This project, at the borderline of materials science, offers a unique integration of approaches, competences and resources in materials science, chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. It is expected that this project can help have a better understanding of optimal lamination and surface-treatment conditions to fabricate highly strong and hydrophobic nanofiber membranes suitable for membrane distillation with enhanced performance. This new approach may eventually enable the use nanofiber webs in MD process.