Membrane research was initiated at the Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (COK) of KU Leuven
(BE) in the beginning of the nineties, closely linked to catalysis, the
main emphasis of the COK. As the COK membrane research expanded since
then, new fields of applications were entered, such as (solvent
resistant) nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, gas separation,
pervaporation, forward and pressure retarded osmosis, fuel cells and
membrane bioreactors.
The main emphasis is on membrane development, mostly polymer based,
often with addition of fillers to obtain mixed matrix membranes. At the
level of membrane characterisation, new techniques for in-situ
observation of fouling are being developed. With respect to membrane
testing, a whole platform of high-throughput equipment has been
developed, patented and commercialised. Also the resolution limits for
membrane characterisation are being pushed via the development of
advanced microscopy techniques (TEM or fluorescence based) or by
applying relatively new techniques in membrane technology, like positron
annihilation lifetime spectroscopy.
contact: Prof. Dr. Ivo Vankelecom (ivo.vankelecom(at)biw.kuleuven.be)
web: www.kuleuven.be
