Project description
A green alternative to chemical treatment for water purification
As the demand for clean water rises, especially in areas facing scarcity, technologies like water recycling and desalination are becoming more common. These methods use special filters that can get clogged by unwanted growth of aquatic species (biofouling), usually treated with chemicals. However, there is now a demand for sustainable solutions to chemical treatment. In this context, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) offer a non-toxic and flexible way to tackle the problem effectively and safely. The ERC-funded AMADEUS project aims to create a product that outperforms competing NADES-based counterparts, secure a patent, and bring the product to market quickly. It will also assess the cost benefits and gather feedback to ensure success.
Objective
A growing demand for clean water is driving the increased adoption of water-recycling and water-desalination, particularly in water-stressed regions. These processes are highly dependent on the use of membrane filtration technology. Efficient operation of these membranes is hampered by biofouling which is typically managed by chemical treatment. Amongst end-users in the water treatment sector, there is a market-pull towards more green/sustainable chemicals and this, combined with the limited effectiveness of existing biofouling control products, has created the substantial commercial opportunity described in this proposal.
The unique idea in this Proof of Concept is to use natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as a non-toxic and tuneable solution for biofouling mitigation. Preliminary data from the PIs ERC grant, ABSOLUTE, has demonstrated that novel NADES formulations an effective, safe, scalable and economically viable solution for biofouling mitigation.
The project deliverables include:
(i) A composition for a NADES-based biofouling control product that exceeds the performance of the closest competing product and is superior in terms of reduced toxicity and higher biodegradability.
(ii) A patent filing and a scalable commercialisation strategy.
(iii) Data that confirms the cost benefits of the NADES composition in key industrial sectors.
(iv) Demonstration data in to obtain feedback from end-users, partners and potential investors.
These deliverables will advance the technology towards rapid commercialisation via a university spin-out company.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
4 DUBLIN
Ireland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.