Biomolecular Separations Research Group

Linking membrane structure to performance

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Most commercial membranes are fabricated using the phase inversion (PI) or interfacial polymerization (IP) processes. Both processes are limited by random fluctuations that form pores of unpredicted and unspecified sizes. Our approach is to discard PI and IP by developing pore structures by design using in vitro evolution.  To do this we need a fluid mechanics and intermolecular forces tool that can evaluate the selectivity of different proposed structures 'in silico'. We plan to test these new structures computationally and experimentally so as to achieve optimal performance. We will also fabricate and evaluate the designed membrane structures using 3D printing.