Advanced membrane technology

Research undertaken by the team at Paihau—Robinson Research Institute aims to create environmentally friendly membranes to effectively capture pollutants.

Addressing environmental issues, including water pollution and carbon emissions, is one of the key challenges for materials science. Research undertaken by Dr Ben Yin and his team at Paihau—Robinson Research Institute aims to create environmentally friendly separation membranes to selectively and effectively capture pollutants.

The team is part of the Materials Group and is well-equipped to facilitate materials synthesis and characterisation, membrane fabrication and measurement, and has the engineering expertise required to customise filtration and reactor systems. Dr Ben Yin’s team includes two PhD candidates, and the team has formed strong collaboration networks between Paihau—Robinson Research Insitute, the University of Auckland, the MacDiarmid Institute and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research Ltd.

The potential of transforming carbon dioxide from a liability to an asset is a challenging but viable option to build a carbon-neutral future and cleaner industries. Meeting this challenge will mitigate climate change and drive economic growth in a low-carbon future. In addition to generating new fundamental knowledge, we are working towards delivering cutting-edge membrane solutions to underpin a circular carbon economy.

Advanced CO₂ Capture Membrane for a Circular Carbon Economy

The science

The research aims to mitigate climate change and drive economic growth in a low-carbon future. The culmination of this cycle involves two steps: capturing CO2 from crude emission sources, e.g., post-combustion gas, and then converting CO2 into useful and valuable products, such as methanol, fuels, and fertilisers. Our research focuses on the start of this cycle, developing advanced membrane technologies for efficient CO2 separation.

Leveraging multidisciplinary knowledge, our group of chemists, chemical engineers, and material engineers are developing new Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) materials and utilising them in the fabrication of high-performance CO2 separation membranes.

Impact and potential

Finding a way to turn carbon dioxide from a problem into something useful is difficult but possible. This could help create a future where industries are cleaner and produce less carbon. By taking on this challenge, we can reduce the impact of climate change and promote economic growth in a world with less carbon emissions. In addition to gaining new knowledge, we are also developing advanced membrane solutions to support a circular economy that focuses on reusing carbon.

Using Mātauranga Māori to support research for better water quality

The science

Another promising research uses harakeke leaves and Mātauranga Māorito to guide the research and its innovative applications for water purification. Harakeke, known as New Zealand flax, has long been integral to te ao Māori, its fibre and leaves are often used to make everyday essentials such as clothing, flooring, baskets, netting, and more.

Harakeke is both abundant in New Zealand and biodegradable. In essence, a household could harvest their water filter from their garden and return it to the earth once its lifespan concludes to nourish future harakeke growth. This sustainable approach to water purification is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Harakeke leaf cross-section versus other surface

Impact and potential

Harakeke membranes are a promising and natural way to address water purification challenges, minimising our reliance on non-biodegradable artificial membranes, and providing an accessible tool to purify water from our own backyard. From household use to industrial applications, these membranes could revolutionise water treatment in New Zealand and internationally. Manufacturing locally in partnership with iwi would benefit the Māori economy and communities.

The journey of our research is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and collaboration. By blending chemical engineering with material science and integrating indigenous knowledge, we are paving the way for sustainable solutions that could have a lasting impact on New Zealand and beyond.