{"id":2,"date":"2016-06-30T16:38:53","date_gmt":"2016-06-30T14:38:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2020-08-27T12:02:35","modified_gmt":"2020-08-27T10:02:35","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Research"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><strong>RESEARCH IN OUR LAB<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Below is a description of the most important topics of research in our lab.\u00a0 To know what happens in our Department, please visit the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.diati.polito.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">webpage of DIATI<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong>Membrane-Based Separation for Water Purification<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1004  alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/UF-membrane.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"372\" height=\"339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/UF-membrane.jpg 844w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/UF-membrane-300x273.jpg 300w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/UF-membrane-768x699.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p>We advance membrane-based processes for the purification and valorization of water and wastewater streams. We fabricate and functionalize membranes for water decontamination and we study and optimize technologies deploying these membranes.\u00a0 We employ various techniques, such as interfacial polymerization, phase separation, layer-by-layer assembly, surface grafting and functionalization to fabricate our membranes.\u00a0 For testing and process optimization, we are currently equipped with the following bench-scale setups:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>one cross-flow reverse osmosis\/nanofiltration system (5-70 bar) accommodating flat sheet membranes<\/li>\n<li>one dead-end ultrafiltration or low-pressure nanofiltration system (0.5-5 bar) accommodating flat sheet membranes<\/li>\n<li>one cross-flow ultrafiltration or low pressure nanofiltration system (0.5-10 bar) accommodating both flat sheet membranes and small-scale tubular ceramic membranes<\/li>\n<li>two forward osmosis systems (flat sheet membranes), one system for membrane samples of size 20 cm<sup>2<\/sup>, the second system, a bit larger, for membrane size of 140 cm<sup>2<\/sup><\/li>\n<li>three membrane distillation systems (flat sheet membranes), for membrane samples of sizes, 20 cm<sup>2<\/sup>, 125 cm<sup>2<\/sup>, and 500 cm<sup>2<\/sup><\/li>\n<li>a dead-end reverse osmosis\/nanofiltration setup (5-70) bar for flat sheet membranes (diameter of 7 cm)<\/li>\n<li>a single module ceramic micro\/ultrafiltration setup<\/li>\n<li>glass diffusion cell, with the possibility of also measuring the water passage if used in flux mode, for circular flat sheet membranes of 1.4 cm diameter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We also work with pilot systems: currently, we have experiments ongoing with a 2-module nanofiltration system. We own a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.anton-paar.com\/corp-en\/products\/details\/electrokinetic-analyzer-for-solid-surface-analysis-surpasstm-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">SurPASS&#x2122; 3 electrokinetic analyzer<\/a> for the characterization of the surface potential of membranes. This system can also be used for other flat solid samples, as well as fibers and fabrics, granular samples, and coarse particles. We make use of several other membrane characterization techniques and instrumentation also in collaboration with colleagues in DISAT Department, as well as in shared facilities of our Department or of Politecnico di Torino. We also work hand in hand with a new interdepartmental center devoted to technology transfer of innovative water treatment technologies, the <a href=\"http:\/\/cleanwater.polito.it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">CleanWaterCenter@PoliTo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em><strong>Novel Materials for Membrane Fabrication and Functionalization<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1181  alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/GA-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"419\" height=\"231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/GA-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/GA-1-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/GA-1-768x423.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p>Every application requires a membrane with target properties.\u00a0 In our lab, we investigate novel chemistries and novel fabrication protocols to obtain a final product that is adequate for specific applications, such as removal of specific contaminants or achievement of production goals.\u00a0 These studies include the optimization of membrane charge, transport properties, pore size and density, and surface chemistry.\u00a0\u00a0 Examples of this research include membrane functionalization with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), biocide nanomaterials, and superhydrophilic materials to reduce (bio)fouling or to control the surface tension at the water\/membrane interface.\u00a0 These membranes are applied in ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, engineered osmosis, or membrane distillation.\u00a0 See examples: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0376738817310219\">10.1016\/j.memsci.2017.06.034<\/a>,\u00a0<a id=\"ddDoi\" class=\"S_C_ddDoi\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0376738817316861\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1016\/j.memsci.2017.08.067<\/a>, and <a title=\"DOI URL\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1021\/acsami.0c12141\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1021\/acsami.0c12141.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>Wastewater Reuse through Membrane Processes<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We investigate the best practices and the most promising solutions to desalinate and purify wastewater with the goal to reuse for civil, agricultural, and industrial uses.\u00a0 In particular, we are currently interested in the reuse of produced water (wastewater of oil &amp; gas industry) (see <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-019-51167-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1038\/s41598-019-51167-z<\/a>), and in resource recovery by integrating membrane systems with large-scale washing machines in the laundering industry (see <a href=\"http:\/\/deswater.com\/fulltext.php?abst=XFxEV1RfYWJzdHJhY3RzXFx2b2xfNjJcXDYyXzIwMTdfMjIucGRm&amp;desc=k@1@kfontk@13@kfacek@7@kk@30@kGenevak@6@kk@13@kArialk@6@kk@13@kHelveticak@6@kk@13@ksank@35@kserifk@30@kk@13@ksizek@7@kk@30@k2k@30@kk@2@kk@1@kik@2@kMattiak@13@kGiagnoriok@6@kk@13@kLenek@13@kFjerb%E6kk@13@kS%F8toftk@6@kk@13@kAlbertok@13@kTiraferrik@6@kk@13@kHenrikk@13@kGr%FCttnerk@1@kk@4@kik@2@kk@1@kbrk@2@kUltrafiltrationk@13@ktok@13@kreusek@13@klaunderingk@13@kwashk@13@kwaterk@32@kk@13@kevaluationk@13@kofk@13@kmembranesk@13@kandk@13@kpermeatek@13@kfluxk@1@kbrk@2@k62k@15@k2017k@16@k22k@35@k30k@1@kbrk@4@kk@2@kk@1@kak@13@khrefk@7@kDWTk@12@kabstractsk@4@kvolk@12@k62k@4@k62k@12@k2017k@12@k22.pdfk@13@kclassk@7@kk@5@kk@30@ktestok@12@knormalek@12@krossok@5@kk@30@kk@13@ktargetk@7@kk@5@kk@30@kk@12@kblankk@5@kk@30@kk@2@kAbstractk@1@kk@4@kak@2@kk@1@kbrk@2@k&amp;id23=RFdUX2FydGljbGVzL3ZvbF82Ml9wYXBlcnMvNjJfMjAxN18yMi5wZGY=&amp;type=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.5004\/dwt.2017.201<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jclepro.2017.04.012\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1016\/j.jclepro.2017.04.012<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em><strong>Membrane Pilot Systems for Contaminant Removal and Powered by Renewable Energy<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We install and operate pilot systems aimed at the removal of specific target contaminants or with the goal to improve membrane-based separation systems run on renewable energy sources. Currently, we are studying the behavior of a nanofiltration pilot plant to treat well water contaminated with chromium to produce safe potable water; see <a href=\"http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1007\/s11356-018-2627-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1007\/s11356-018-2627-5<\/a> or <a id=\"doiLink\" class=\"els-external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jece.2018.06.055\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">0.1016\/j.jece.2018.06.055<\/a>. Also, we collaborate with colleagues in the Energy Department to exploit the sun and waste heat streams as potential energy sources for high-end treatment applications.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Purification<\/span><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalytic Degradation of Contaminants<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong><em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We investigate the efficiency and the mechanisms of contaminant degradation by oxidative catalytic processes. For example, we apply homogeneous and heterogeneous Fenton and Fenton-like reactions for the abatement of contaminants of emerging concern. We also study novel catalytic molecules based on organometallic complexes (e.g., iron complexes with organic ligands) to perform the same homogeneous reaction near neutral pH, with minimization of sludge production, and mimicking the activity and function of biological heme groups. Furthermore, we design, synthesize, and engineer novel heme mimics to be used in homogeneous and heterogeneous, i.e., fixed on a solid support, reaction. See for an example: <a class=\"doi\" title=\"Persistent link using digital object identifier\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2020.122413\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Persistent link using digital object identifier\">10.1016\/j.jhazmat.2020.122413<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>Coupling of Membrane and Advanced Oxidation Processes<br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The coupling of the oxidation processes with a separative step able to selectively remove specific compounds and contaminants from water is potentially very advantageous in the framework of water reuse systems. Separation and degradation are in fact complementary mechanisms to purify water and they may be applied in synergy to ensure a water effluent of high quality. Therefore, we propose and we evaluate the coupling of membrane processes with oxidation treatments to enhance the latter and to optimize the overall treatment train.\u00a0 One instance is the use of low-pressure nanofiltration to remove organic matter and other scavengers from wastewater, thereby enhancing the cost- and energy-efficiency of the Fenton reaction. See for an example: <span class=\"clientsectionheader\"><a href=\"http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1021\/acsomega.8b01055\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1021\/acsomega.8b01055<\/a><\/span>. We own a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shimadzu.com\/an\/toc\/lab\/toc-l.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shimadzu TOC analyzer<\/a> for the determination of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Nanomaterials in the Aqueous Environment and Their Applications to Reclaim Contaminated Sites<\/span><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In collaboration with the lab of Prof. Sethi, we are equipped with a light scattering instrument (Malvern ZetaSizer Plus ZSP), UV-vis spectrophotometers, a viscosity meter, an automatic titrator, various column systems for the measurement of particle mobility, and various 2D setups for transport on porous media.\u00a0 For quality analyses, we make use of ionic chromatography and <span class=\"_Tgc\">inductively coupled plasma (ICP) systems<\/span> owned by our colleagues in DIATI with whom we collaborate.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #800000;\"><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Behavior of Nanomaterials in Aqueous Environments<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Our research includes the understanding of stability and sedimentation phenomena of nanomaterials in aqueous environments.\u00a0 This behavior controls the fate and transport of nanomaterials.\u00a0 We study the effect of various chemical conditions and how the presence of specific components affects particle behavior; see for an example <a href=\"http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1007\/s11051-017-3814-x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1007\/s11051-017-3814-x<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>Nanomaterials for Site Remediation<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-1195\" src=\"http:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/1-s2.0-S0959652618333316-fx1_lrg.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"267\" height=\"144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/1-s2.0-S0959652618333316-fx1_lrg.jpg 1641w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/1-s2.0-S0959652618333316-fx1_lrg-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/1-s2.0-S0959652618333316-fx1_lrg-1024x553.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/1-s2.0-S0959652618333316-fx1_lrg-768x415.jpg 768w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/1-s2.0-S0959652618333316-fx1_lrg-1536x829.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p>Our group collaborates with researchers in the<a href=\"http:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ricerca\/groundwater\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> lab of Prof. Sethi<\/a> to propose nanomaterials as cleaning agents for sites contaminated by non-aqueous phase liquids, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants.\u00a0 In particular, iron-based particles are promising materials to promote reductive dechlorination or aerobic biodegradation of many dangerous contaminants currently present in the subsoil worldwide.\u00a0 The use of iron-based particles as a remediation technology requires a complete understanding of their behavior and reactivity under real field conditions.\u00a0 See some publications related to this topic at <a href=\"http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-017-13423-y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1038\/s41598-017-13423-y<\/a> or <a class=\"doi\" title=\"Persistent link using digital object identifier\" href=\"http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jclepro.2018.10.298\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Persistent link using digital object identifier\">10.1016\/j.jclepro.2018.10.298<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #800080;\"><strong>Interaction of Macromolecules and Particles with Solid Surfaces<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1005  alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Reflettometria.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"326\" height=\"244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Reflettometria.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Reflettometria-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Reflettometria-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Reflettometria-285x214.jpg 285w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 326px) 100vw, 326px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We own a reflectometer, equipped with a 532 nm wavelength laser.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Adsorption and Desorption of Polymers from Solid Surfaces<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Polymers and macromolecules are ubiquitous in aquatic environments.\u00a0 Adsorbed polymers on particle surfaces govern the behavior of these materials in aqueous suspensions. \u00a0In the natural environment, particles are typically modified by adsorption of natural organic matter (NOM), which affects their fate and transport. \u00a0In engineered processes, adsorption of polymers is commonly exploited to either enhance colloidal stability or to induce particle aggregation: for example, the addition of polyelectrolytes, metal salts, or both, is an established procedure to achieve promote flocculation and sedimentation in both wastewater and water treatment plants.\u00a0 Furthermore, attachment of macromolecules on the membrane surface is the first step that eventually leads to fouling and biofouling and the related loss of process performance.\u00a0 Understanding the mechanisms of adsorption and desorption of macromolecules on\/from a solid surface is fundamental to be able to control these processes and to ensure the achievement of engineering goals in technologies that rely on such phenomena. See an example of publication at <a href=\"http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1021\/acs.langmuir.8b02573\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">10.1021\/acs.langmuir.8b02573<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>RESEARCH IN OUR LAB Below is a description of the most important topics of research in our lab.\u00a0 To know what happens in our Department, please visit the webpage of DIATI. Membrane-Based Separation for Water Purification We advance membrane-based processes for the purification and valorization of water and wastewater streams. We fabricate and functionalize membranes <a href=\"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/research\/\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Read more about Research<\/span>[&hellip;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullwidth-no-title.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2"}],"version-history":[{"count":57,"href":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1192,"href":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions\/1192"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/areeweb.polito.it\/ensurewater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}