Research
The focus of the research in the Membrane Group at Lund University is on the integration and optimization of membrane processes for the food, biotech, pulp and paper industry as well as water and wastewater treatment plus fouling and cleaning of membranes.
The Membrane Group's primary emphasis lies in the water-energy-food nexus, establishing a strong connection to the UN's global sustainability goals, specifically goals 2, 6, 7, and 12. Thus, the work of the Membrane group can be divided into three areas:
Food applications
We investigate pressure-driven membrane processes as well as emerging membrane technology for their applications in the food industry. Our work involves developing new processes to effectively concentrate, separate, and purify valuable components such as (plant-based) proteins, precision fermentation-derived products, sugars, and bioactive compounds present in food production streams or byproducts. We also look into the practical aspects of these processes by comprehensively studying membrane fouling and exploring efficient membrane cleaning techniques. Through our research, we aim to contribute to the advancement of sustainable food processing while maximizing the utility of overlooked resources.
Current projects related to food applications
- Verification of membrane technology for plant-based dairy products (Lund University's Research Portal)
- Innovative cleaning protocols for sustainable and energy-efficient membrane processes in the dairy industry
- Unbeatable Underutilized Okara Stage 2 (Lund University's Research Portal)
Networks
The Membrane group is also part of national and international food networks:
Energy and processing applications
In the field of energy and processing applications the Membrane Group works mainly with applications ranging from the mining, biotech to membrane-based power generation, e.g., with reverse electrodialysis. In the area of pulp and paper and fermentation, the Membrane group is working closely together with the biorefinery group in the department. Among others, the focus is on the development of new solutions for the pulp and paper industry, e.g., the valorisation of side streams like lignin from the kraft processes or hemicellulose from thermomechanical pulping process water.
Current projects related to energy and processing applications
- Harvesting of Blue energy using Swedish natural and artificial resources (Lund University's Research Portal)
- Continuous processing of biofuel and biochemical production using membrane processes (Lund University's Research Portal)
- Novel anti-fouling membranes for lignocellulosic biorefineries
- Direct production process of LiOH with efficient separation of Mg from Li brines
Networks
The Membrane group is also part of international energy and processing networks:
- MEM-FAST (EU- Horizon MSCA Doctoral Networks)
- IETS Annex XVII - Membranes in Biorefineries (Lund University's Research Portal)
Water applications
The research on water covers both drinking water and wastewater. In the area of wastewater, the Membrane group works, e.g., on the development of Direct Membrane Filtration (DMF) – an innovative concept to treat water with membranes without biology – and the removal of micropollutants ranging from microplastics to pharmaceuticals in combination with both DMF and membrane bioreactors (MBRs). For drinking water, the group works on the upgrading of rain and stormwater to utilise it in applications requiring high quality water but not necessarily drinking water quality, e.g., toilet flushing or gardening.
Current projects related to water applications
- REsilient WAter Innovation for Smart Economy (REWAISE)
- DEmonstration of concentrated SOLar power coupled wIth advaNced desAlinaTion system in the gulf region (DESOLINATION)
- 3D printed, self-regeneratable photocatalytic filters as hydroxyl radical manufacturer- A Lab to Pilot Scale Approach (PhotoCAD)
- Sustainable innovative drinking water treatment solutions for large-scale water supply and reuse (SIDWater)
- Sustainable textile wastewater treatment using modified multi-layer membranes with antifouling and antibacterial properties
Networks
The Membrane group is also part of national and international water networks:
- Towards the removal of microplastics and emerging pollutants from water bodies in the Baltic region (NoMicroBaltic)
- DRICKS - A platform for collaboration in drinking water research with the aim to contribute to a more safer and sustainable drinking water supply.
