Separation processes in industry account for 10–15% of global energy consumption. This is mainly attributable to the tremendous amount of heat needed for the liquid-to-gas phase changes required during classical industrial operations such as evaporation and distillation. Membranes are physical barriers that can be used to selectively permeate some molecules in a liquid, while retaining others. The great advantage of membrane separation is that there is no need to boil the liquid to separate its components – everything can be done in the liquid phase.

However, in processes that use significant amounts of organic liquids including solvents, membranes have not yet replaced boiling processes such as evaporation and distillation. This is because the creation of membranes which are stable in organic liquids is difficult; and imparting them with the right molecular structures to allow easy flow of small molecules whilst retaining large molecules is an on-going challenge.

This research project will work on developing membranes for molecular separations in organic liquids. We will develop polymer membranes with exquisite molecular structures that can provide outstanding selectivity and permeance, in organic solvent systems typical from industry.  For relevant background, see Prof Livingston's research publications. Candidates should be prepared to carry out membrane formation, characterisation, and performance analysis in the laboratory, to engage with equipment development and automation, including mechanical and electronic equipment, and be able to code and to use AI tools for research. They will also engage with industry sponsors, and other LivingstonLab members, in carrying out high level research and report this in leading journals and conferences. They will integrate into the supportive and dynamic environment in LivingstonLab at Queen Mary, equipped with the latest tools for membrane formation, characterisation, and evaluation. We look forward to working with you!