Pure-Flow: Innovative Forward Osmosis Membranes for Sustainable Desalination

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy solutions (N0MES) has a 4-year funded PhD place available for an exceptional researcher. With the support of the University of Liverpool (UoL), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and 33 maritime energy sector partners, N0MES PGRs will pursue new, engineering-centred, interdisciplinary research to address four vital net zero challenges currently facing the North West, the UK and beyond:

a) Energy generation using maritime-based renewable energy (e.g. offshore wind, tidal, wave, floating solar, hydrogen, CCS);

b) Distributing energy from offshore to onshore, including port- and hinterland-side impacts and opportunities;

c) Addressing the short- and long-term environmental impacts of offshore and maritime

environment renewable energy generation, distribution and storage; and

d) Decommissioning and lifetime extension of existing energy and facilities.

The challenges posed by rising population levels and the anticipated impacts of climate change are already impacting UK freshwater sources. Alternatives sources, particularly in already ‘water stressed’ areas are sorely needed and have resulted in efforts to, for example, desalination of sea water in the Thames Estuary. Seawater is already one of the main freshwater sources globally and produced by desalination plants which require specific desalination membranes. Forward osmosis (FO) membranes, in comparison, can operate at lower pressures, requiring less energy, and offer an economically feasible and low carbon alternative, contributing to sustainability efforts. FO is a very promising technology to address the challenge of the global water scarcity. FO membranes are more resistant to scaling and fouling and have greater longevity compared to the traditional desalination methods. FO membranes should have the following properties: 

       i.         high rejection of dissolved solutes, 

      ii.         high permeate flux, 

    iii.         compatibility with the draw solution, 

     iv.         withstand mechanical stresses generated by the operating conditions. 

Existing commercial membranes do not provide all of these properties and, owing to the lack of adequate commercial membrane, widespread application of FO in water desalination is limited. The aim of this project is to develop and optimise novel forward osmosis membranes tailored specifically for freshwater recovery/desalination applications. The specific project objectives underpinning this aim are to:

① synthesise innovative FO membranes for desalination applications, 

② characterise the morphology, permeability, selectivity, and fouling properties of FO membranes, 

③ optimise fabrication methods for producing forward osmosis membranes with uniform morphology and enhanced structural integrity, 

④ investigate the long-term stability and durability of forward osmosis membranes under environmental operating conditions including fouling, scaling, and chemical degradation, 

⑤ explore alternative draw solutions for enhanced desalination efficiency.

Developing innovative membranes for freshwater recovery/desalination is in line with the UN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals 17.7 (promote sustainable technologies to developing countries), 6 (clean water and sanitation), 9 (Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation) and 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources). 

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.