How Membrane Technology Contributes to Sustainability and Life Sciences
Abhishek Roy
Dow Water and Energy Solutions, The Dow Chemical Co.
ABSTRACT: Since the inception of FT30-interfacial polyamide chemistry by John Cadotte, there has been significant interest in improving energy and separation efficiency for reverse osmosis operations from a membrane chemistry standpoint. However, development of structure-property relationships has been a challenge owing to the complex, crosslinked, nanoscale morphological structure of polyamides. In the last few years, Dow has achieved a fundamental structure-property relationship of polyamide RO membrane. A breakthrough in membrane chemistry innovation came from in-depth characterization of polymer composition, morphology, topology, and post-gel properties coupled with fundamental transport and structural modeling. Roy provides insight to Dow’s next game changing membrane chemistry innovation and its potential impact in reducing the cost of water, addressing energy, and providing potable water across the globe. Membranes also offer economic and technical advantages in addressing unmet separation needs for several bio-based applications. Roy addresses applications of nano filtration membranes in bio processing, food, diary, and pharmaceuticals industries, and he highlights upcoming technical challenges and opportunities.
