This week we feature The Desalination, Membrane and Nanotechnology Research Group at the University of South Australia

The Desalination, Membrane and Nanotechnology Research Group, led by Professor Linda Zou, was established in 2008. The group aims to conduct innovative research on using membrane and non-membrane alternative technologies in brackish water and seawater desalination, and develop novel nano-structured materials for efficient water and wastewater purification. The results of the group’s research will make timely contributions to address the current and future “water crisis” caused by global climate change and unpredictable weather patterns in Australia.

The group has research expertise in low energy alternative desalination processes using electrosorptive carbon electrodes, membrane filtration for fit for purpose water reuse/recycling, nano-structured materials and composites for water purifications, such as TiO2/SiO2 for degrading trace organic matters, desalination brine waste treatment and combined advanced oxidation processes to treat wastewater for reuse.

Currently, the Group is working on four research projects during 2009-2012:

• Composite conductive electrodes for low energy desalination

• High performance conductive mesoporous carbon electrodes: a low energy desalination alternative

• New nanocomposites of porous materials and visible light sensitive TiO2 for efficient wastewater purification

• Designing the surface and structural properties of MFI zeolite membranes for low energy ion-selective desalination

The group has established research collaborations with many external research institutions, for example the Australia National Centre of Excellence in Desalination, the Water Quality Research Australia the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology (New South Wales University) or the National Centre for Seawater Desalination Plant in Korea.

More information:

Professor Linda Zou

www.unisa.edu.au

Desalination, Membrane and Nanotechnology Research Group

SA Water Centre for Water Management and Reuse

University of South Australia