| KEYWORD |
Preparation and properties of hollow fiber membranes for removing viruses and bacteria from the drinking water. Studying their biofouling properties.
Thesis in external company 
Thesis abroad
keywords WATER PURIFICATION
Reference persons MATTEO PAVESE
External reference persons Dr. Michael Stuer, EMPA
Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL
Description This thesis will be realized in EMPA, Zurich (Switzerland), the reference person at EMPA will be Dr. Michael Stuer.
Waterborne viruses are frequently implicated as the cause of water-related illnesses. Waterborne disease outbreaks are reported each year and are associated with treated drinking water and groundwater. Hollow fiber membranes are fine filters that act as selective membranes to remove microbiology based on their size. The membrane surfaces feature fine pores that determine which particles will pass through based on their pore size. Existing ultra-filtration membranes are highly effective in removing bacteria but not Viruses. If the pore size is very small (below the virus size) it will cause biofouling, so you need more energy and pressure to pump the water through these membranes. So, we are interested in developing PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride) and /or PES (polyethersulfone) based hollow fiber membranes having inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles. These membranes will adsorb and filter the virus particles, additionally, these metal oxide nanoparticles have antibacterial properties, so it will help to reduce the biofouling phenomenon.
Tasks:
1, Identifying the solution properties to prepare the hollow fiber membranes (viscosity, flow properties).
2, phase inversion-based hollow fiber membranes by defect-free process development.
3, characterization of the membranes, pore size, flow rate and biofouling properties.
4, antiviral properties of the membrane.
You will gain knowledge of water purification, material, and process development.
Required skills good knowledge of English language
Deadline 08/11/2023
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA