Our Research

Creating next-generation porous materials and structures for sustainable chemical separations

Scalable and green synthesis of microporous organic polymers

In this research theme, we use green chemistry principles in the scale up production of microporous organic polymers in flow reactors. Activities in this theme include upcycling plastic waste into microporous adsorbents, and replacing toxic halogenated solvents in materials synthesis with benign deep eutectic solvents.

Sustainable additive manufacturing of polymer membranes

Here we use additive manufacturing technologies to overcome the trade-off relationship between sustainability and separation performances in thin film composite polymer membranes. Such technologies include spray-coating, inkjet printing and direct ink writing.

Zero-carbon, zero-waste chemical separations

In 2020, we produced the same amount of CO2 during carbon capture as fossil-derived energy was used to power these processes. Meanwhile, more waste is generated during wastewater treatment than simply discharging it into the environment. As we strive towards a sustainable circular economy, researchers in this theme design and develop novel materials to mitigate these limitations of existing chemical separation processes.

Evaluating the sustainability of our work

In this theme, we use life cycle assessments to evaluate how our materials and processes improve the sustainability of chemical separations. We identify areas for improvement and quantify the sustainability index of our approach when compared to incumbent materials and processes. Outcomes from this theme are used to improve and advance our quest in imbuing sustainability into chemical separations.