The goal of this project is to develop robust membranes for microalgae dewatering by surface-modification of membranes to increase hydrophilicity and thus superior antifouling properties.
In this project, the membrane surface is modified by co-depositing bio-adhesive polydopamine (PDA) and superhydrophilic materials (such as zwitterions and graphene oxide) with acrylate or amine groups to react with PDA. This project is funded through Helios-NRG by the Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.