RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

22 2. Control of functionality The functionality of materials is an essential tool to control mass transport processes. This includes the synthesis of polymer materials with specific functionality and the chemical or physical modification of polymers and 3D morphologies to give a membrane or electrode the desired functionality for a specific separation or conversion process. This involves, for example, the chemical functionalization of a polymer to introduce molecular membrane specificity and selectivity for unique separations or to control membrane fouling in water treatment processes. Functional coatings or layer-by-layer assemblies are applied for fouling control, retention tuning and to introduce, for example, catalytic activity for the (electrochemical) conversion of specific species. 3. Module, reactor and process design and performance evaluation Synthesized materials are shaped in geometric structures with tailored morphologies and assembled into devices in order to qualitatively and quantitatively assess their performance. This includes hollow fiber and flat sheet membrane module development and the construction of membrane-electrode assemblies for energy applications. We perform detailed investigations into the effects of process parameters (e.g., flow rate, pressure, temperature, electrical potential) on hydrodynamic flow conditions, mass transport and performance and combine this with process design and optimization. An integral aspect of our research is the subsequent correlation of mass and charge transport characteristics and performance evaluation with materials chemistry, morphology and the physical properties of the membrane or electrode device in order to develop governing chemistry-structure- properties-performance relationships. Application areas The developed membranes and electrodes with well-defined chemical, physical and morphological properties for the separation of components at a molecular level are used in sustainable process applications in the chemical industry, in food processing, for the power and gas industry and in the energy transition. There is a major focus on the valorization of rest streams, the recycling and reuse of resources and sustainable energy generation and storage.