RESEARCH INTERESTS

Resource Recovery · Ion Selective Membranes · Electrochemistry · Energy Efficiency

Resource Recovery 

Circular economy emphasizes the continual use of resources by creating closed-loop systems, by recovering valuable materials from waste streams by minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Membrane technology plays a pivotal role in advancing a circular economy by enabling efficient separation and recovery processes. For instance, membranes can be engineered to selectively recover CO2 from seawater, which helps reduce ocean acidification while providing a valuable resource for chemical production. Additionally, membranes are instrumental in reclaiming nutrients from agricultural wastewater, allowing these nutrients to be reused in agricultural processes, thus reducing pollution and eutrophication in water bodies. The aim of this research is to develop next-generation membranes that can facilitate the recovery of essential resources from wastewater. Through innovations in membrane materials and design, we can contribute to a circular economy by turning waste into valuable resources, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing resource efficiency.

1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-022-01209-x.
2. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.3c03772.
3. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9en01303b. 
4. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b01349.
5. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c01470
6. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c01357.

Ion Selective Membranes

As the world progresses towards a carbon-free future, the demand for certain metals and metalloids is expected to increase exponentially. These elements that are/will form the backbone of the green-energy economy, however, are either scarce or present in diluted quantities with other widely available elements. As a result, many research efforts are working towards concentrating these elements from various sources. My research focuses on developing next-generation membranes that can precisely differentiate between solutes to selectively extract valuable materials from brines and waste streams. Developing membranes to enhance specific ion transport hold immense potential for various applications, such as water purification, energy devices, and biomedical device 

1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-022-01209-x.

Electrochemistry

Electrochemically active membranes (EAMs) are specialized membranes that incorporate electrochemical functionalities, enabling them to actively participate in electrochemical reactions to improve separations. These membranes not only facilitate the selective recovery of valuable materials from waste streams but also provide insights into interfacial phenomena at the solution-membrane interface. Utilizing electrochemical tools such as Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), we can characterize and gain a deeper understanding of the system and interactions at the membrane interface. These techniques allow us to investigate and elucidate the underlying mechanisms at the membrane interface, leading to improvements in current processes and maximizing overall energy efficiency. With this research, we aim to explore innovative membrane-based processes through an electrochemical lens, enhancing our understanding of interface phenomena and advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of resource recovery technologies.

1. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b12615.

2. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aaw3203.

3. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9en01303b.