Production of cellulose-based membranes with nanoadditions for air filtration

Global warming is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) trap heat, causing the planet’s temperatures to rise. Currently, the challenge is to achieve systems that solve problems such as environmental pollution through the design of green products and sustainable processes. Membranes are a selective barrier that allows certain species (molecules and ions) to pass through while blocking others. Cellulose-based membranes have been briefly studied as gas separation membranes to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. So far, various membrane production methods have been reported, with the phase inversion being the most versatile technique. The aim of the present work is to develop membranes for high separation performance towards pollutant gases (e.g., CO2). The membranes will be fabricated using cellulose-derived materials (e.g., CA) through phase inversion. The addition of nanomaterials (e.g., nanocellulose) will be explored with the intention to achieve desired structural and chemical properties. This approach aims to optimize membrane selectivity, permeability, and stability by exploring the influence of different nanomaterials and fabrication parameters. The project will contribute to advancing sustainable and high-efficiency gas separation technologies, addressing critical challenges in environmental remediation and industrial applications.

Faculty Supervisor:

Flavia Braghiroli

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Federal Fluminense

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Program: