Sustainable Membrane Separations: From Polymers to Processes
Separation processes can account for as much as 80% of the total manufacturing costs. Membrane technology offers an energy-efficient separation alternative to conventional thermal processes. Environmental awareness is driving membrane development towards more sustainable approaches. In this scenario, end of life strategies aiming for a closed-loop circular economy such as biobased nanomaterials, biopolymers, biodegradable and/or recyclable polymers, renewable building blocks, and green upcycling of conventional materials are emerging as sustainable solutions for the current challenges we face in membrane preparation. On the other hand, the recent development of membrane materials facilitated the advancement of process intensification exploiting membranes. The symposium aims to bridge the gap between green materials and green processes centered on membranes.
The emerging sustainable building blocks and techniques for membrane fabrication will foster scientific discussions, while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As the field of green membrane materials and processes is rapidly growing, researchers are providing innovative solutions mainly focusing on green chemistry principles, and process intensification. The presented symposium will gather talks on the latest achievements in the fields of sustainable membrane systems, as well as promising green chemistry approaches and processes for membrane materials. Thus, the symposium will have talks from experts working in the field of membranes and beyond. One of the objectives of the symposium is to trigger cross-disciplinary discussions involving green chemistry and engineering experts, not necessarily working in the field of membranes. A white paper, disseminating the results of the discussions, is planned for publication.
We invite speakers from governmental organizations, industry professionals, and academic researchers to debate green solutions in the field of membranes. Although attendance in person is encouraged, the 2023 GC&E will be hybrid, so you may present remotely but live.
Organizer
Prof. Gyorgy Szekely, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)