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Biofouling control in nanofiltration and reverse osmosis processes using a smart polymer approach

Objective

Nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are widely and increasingly used for water treatment process.
The efficiency of NF and RO processes is however adversely affected by biofouling. Environmental stimuli can trigger selfcleaning
mechanisms of natural surfaces. Consequently there is an increasing interest in developing smart or stimuli
responsive polymers as coatings to prevent biofouling. However, external chemical/physical stimuli must be selectively
applied to the smart polymers to induce the cleaning mechanism; this procedure limits their applicability at industrial scale.
The unique idea of this Proof of Concepts is to develop smart polymeric surfaces that, triggered by chemical (enzymatic)
stimuli induced by biofouling, will exploit the self-cleaning mechanism. This concept is expected to dramatically reduce the
operating costs of NF and reverse osmosis RO processes. Bio-stimulated smart polymers surfaces will be incorporated into
NF/RO feed spacers which are integral to the spiral wound configuration used in full scale membrane treatment plants. The
commercialisation route of the product will be through the patent protection and the licensing of the technology with a view to
rapid commercialisation.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

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.

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.

ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2014-PoC

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Host institution

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 149 909,68
Total cost

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.

€ 149 909,68

Beneficiaries (1)

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