Descripción del proyecto
Nueva tecnología para potabilizar agua
Para aumentar la calidad de agua de beber se pueden combinar materiales como el grafeno y otros relacionados (GRM, por sus siglas en inglés) modificados por medios químicos con tecnología de membranas capilares. El proyecto financiado con fondos europeos GRAPHEME creará una nueva generación de membranas capilares que combinen la eliminación de contaminantes tóxicos con el rechazo de partículas, microorganismos y sólidos disueltos gracias a la sinergia entre micro y ultrafiltración mediante armazones de membranas capilares y adsorción multiobjetivo basada en GRM. El proyecto definirá así una estrategia con la que comercializar la tecnología de GRAPHEME, incluida la difusión de su propiedad intelectual, estudios de mercado, modelos de negocio y recaudación de fondos. En concreto, se establecerá una prueba de concepto técnica y comercial basada en el desarrollo de un prototipo que acerque la tecnología de membranas capilares a su comercialización.
Objetivo
GRAPHEME will combine chemically tailored graphene and related materials (GRMs) with capillary membranes (CMs) technology to engineer a radically new generation of CMs, exploiting simultaneously the outstanding adsorption properties of GRMs with the physical sieving potential of CMs, to ultimately improve the quality of potable water. GRMs’ hybrids hold a disruptive potential as sieving materials to boost the CMs performance as they possess an ideal tailor-made structure and tunable physicochemical properties. In a recent breakthrough, foams based on GRMs functionalized with polymers were used to sequester heavy metal ions from water with an unprecedented efficiency. Their high surface area with sp2 hybridization favors the adsorption of organic molecules. The functional groups on the GRM surface enable to tune both the water permeability and the binding of ions, thereby favoring the removal of inorganic contaminants. Significantly, no other material currently used for water treatment combines all these key properties. GRAPHEME’s CMs will combine the removal of toxic pollutants with rejection of particles, microorganisms and dissolved solids thanks to the synergy between micro/ultrafiltration by CM scaffolds and GRM multitarget adsorption. Towards the GRAPHEME technology commercialization, we will define the exploitation strategy, including IP positioning, market survey, business model and fundraising. This will also include partnering with key enablers – business-related and technological – for commercial success. A technical and commercial proof-of-concept will be established by developing a prototype to ultimately bring our CMs technology closer to the market. GRAPHEME will set new standards for the best exploitation of water for the mankind and will give the means to governing authorities to strengthen regulation. By developing new protocols for water purification, a major technological revolution will take place, positively affecting a number of industries.
Ámbito científico
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialstwo-dimensional nanostructuresgraphene
- engineering and technologychemical engineeringseparation technologiesdesalinationreverse osmosis
- social sciencespolitical sciencespolitical transitionsrevolutions
- social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementbusiness models
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiology
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-POC-LS - ERC Proof of Concept Lump Sum PilotInstitución de acogida
67000 Strasbourg
Francia