Optimisation of surface chemistry on membranes for biofouling reduction in the treatment of municipal wastewater

Project Member(s): Ton-That, C., Nghiem, D.

Funding or Partner Organisation: The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO Project funding)
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO Project funding)

Start year: 2023

Summary: This project aims to fabricate membranes with bespoke surface chemistry on stainless steel substrate for the treatment of municipal wastewater. Inorganic microfiltration membranes have emerged as a robust, low-maintenance option for treating wastewater; however, a critical problem that currently restricts their utility is biofouling due to accumulation of microorganisms on the membrane surface. We have found that coating these membranes with ZnO or TiO2, followed by plasma-induced surface modifications, can reduce biofouling. Synchrotron experiments will be used to study the chemical structure of the modified membranes, which will reveal relationships between membrane surface properties and their resistance to biofouling.

FOR Codes: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, Surface properties of condensed matter, Expanding knowledge in the physical sciences

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.