The Separations Technologies group advances the fundamental science and applied engineering of membrane processes, electrochemical systems, and novel sorbent materials for treating impaired water sources. We target contaminants of emerging concern — including PFAS, nitrates, heavy metals, and micropollutants — that are poorly addressed by conventional treatment trains.
A central focus is minimizing the energy penalty of separations: we study the thermodynamic limits of membrane desalination, develop electrochemically-assisted separation processes, and design systems that couple contaminant removal with resource recovery (e.g., nutrient recovery, lithium extraction). We maintain a fully-equipped experimental laboratory for bench-scale synthesis and testing alongside computational modeling capabilities.
Developing boron-doped diamond and Ti₄O₇ electrodes for in-situ mineralization of PFAS compounds in the concentrated reject stream from nanofiltration processes.
Design and optimization of forward osmosis and pressure-retarded osmosis hybrid systems that approach thermodynamic efficiency limits for brackish water desalination.
Ion-exchange membranes and electrodialysis systems for selective nitrate removal from agricultural drainage, with concurrent nutrient recovery as struvite or ammonium sulfate.
Selective lithium and rare earth element extraction from oil and gas produced water using responsive polymer sorbents and electromembrane processes.