Project Info

3D printing of ceramic membranes for robust water filtration

Clean water is already a precious commodity and access is becoming more scarce across much of the world. Ceramic membrane filters are much more robust than polymer alternatives to harsh conditions such as heavy chlorination, elevated temperatures, and/or high operation pressures, but they are presently too expensive to compete for large-scale filtration. As a focused part of a large effort across campus, this project will use 3D printing to rapidly explore and test new designs for ceramic membrane filters that could eventually be scaled up to provide enhanced performance at competitive costs.

More Information

DOI: 10.1023/A:1020523301886
https://ceramics.org/ceramic-tech-today/ceramic-filters-purify-water-regardless-of-location-or-application
DOI: 10.1111/j.1151-2916.2000.tb01560.x
DOI: 10.1111/j.1551-2916.2006.01382.x

Grand Engineering Challenge: Provide access to clean water

Student Preparation

Qualifications

self-motivated, unafraid of modifying both software and hardware on an existing 3D printer, creative

Time Commitment

20-30 hours/month

Skills/Techniques Gained

additive manufacturing, ceramics processing, rheology

Mentoring Plan

I will help the student get started (training in the lab, on relevant equipment, introduction to the goals of the project, etc.), and will be available for consultation and advise, but for the most part, the student will have full autonomy to try new ideas. We will also be working as a team with the larger efforts on campus around water filtration.