LbL membrane modification for resource recovery

    Layer-by-layer modification of membranes can render them suitable for phosphorus recovery.

    New solutions for acidic wastewater and spent acid treatment challenges are needed in order to reach new levels of resource efficiency and closed loop processes. The application of currently commercially available membranes for acidic filtration is limited by a low flux and static membrane properties. Within in this project, Layer-by-Layer (LbL) modified membranes have been developed with significant higher fluxes (up to 16 times) which can be tailored for any specific filtration task. Currently the commercialization of acid resistant membranes is carried out, as these membranes will be able to provide an economically viable resource recovery process from any acidic waste stream.

    Key Figures

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    Project duration:
    2017 - 2019
    Funding agency:
    • SNF
    • InnoSuisse
    • Bridge - Proof of Concept
    Project website:

    Institute for Ecopreneurship

    FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
    School of Life Sciences
    Institute for Ecopreneurship

    Hofackerstrasse 30

    CH - 4132 Muttenz