Exploring New Design Strategy for Functionalizing Membranes and Aerogels for Water Treatment Applications

Abstract

This thesis is driven by a compelling need to tackle pressing water treatment challenges using sustainable and innovative methods. With global water supplies depleting and pollution threatening aquatic ecosystems, there is a growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly technological advancements. The primary focus of this thesis is on the use of biopolymers as adsorptive membranes or filters, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional water treatment methods. The research is motivated by the sustainability, biodegradability, and low environmental impact of these natural polymers, along with their customizable chemistry to meet specific requirements. The main objective is to explore and develop strategies for implementing cost-effective and nvironmentally friendly approaches to address water contamination and scarcity by harnessing the unique characteristics of biopolymers as binders. The study also investigates the utilization of functional materials, such as solvothermally newlineproduced carbon, metal composites, metal-organic frameworks as fillers for enhancing newlineadsorption effectiveness in water treatment, that can also generate enhanced synergy and anti fouling characteristics in water treatment, focusing on developing materials that not only effectively remove pollutants but also withstand fouling and deterioration over time. newline