The Nametech project hamesses benefits of nanotechnology to bring about improvements in memebrane filtration for advanced water treatment. The general odjective is to strengthen the European membrane market by making nanotechnology available to large scale European membrane manufacturers. A unique feature project is the knowledge trasfer between the experienced manufacturer Norit and the coating expert and new-comer to the membrane field Agfa Gevaert. The S&T focus is on the use of nano-structured materialsto alter the physical and chemical properties of polymeric ultrafiltration membranes and thereby improving the filtration performance at macroscale installations. The project aims at adapting commercial nanoparticles such us TiO₂ and Ag for the modification of UF membranes to reduce fouling, and thus to reduce its permeability. The nanoparticles will be deposited on the membrane surface or embedded in the membrane (mixed matrix). The S&T challenges regarding the modification of the nanoparticles, the deposition of the nanoparticles on membrane surface as well as the production of nano-activated membranes (NAMs) will be addressed. The newly developed NAMs will be tested at laboratory scale before selecting the most promising concept for testing at pilot scale.The activities will be complemented by a toxicological study and the application of LCA to assess the environmental impacts.   

Partners: VITO, AGFA, NOR, TNO, Aquatest, Suez Environment, University of Manchaster, University of Liberec, Aachen University.