The IAEA is launching a new four-year Coordinated Research Project (CRP) to enhance capabilities of Member States to develop radiation-grafted membranes, which will be used for electrochemical devices, membranes separating CO2 from natural or renewal gas, and catalysts for biodiesel production. This technology will be applied to produce clean and sustainable energy.
One of the most effective methods for designing new membranes is radiation-induced grafting (RIG), which is applied in various fields, for example for modifying films and fabrics (natural or synthetic), for environmental remediation, medicine and biotechnology. The overall performance of membrane materials depends on the precise combination and optimization of structural and mechanical properties, durability, and efficiency in functional properties. RIG presents advantages not only in terms of cost and sustainability, but also in terms of the degree of control over the resulting modifications. The modification of fluorinated polymer films by RIG, for example, is unique in its capacity to generate polyelectrolyte domains within the mechanically and chemically stable substrate film, while preserving the shape and size of the starting material.
This new CRP aims to develop functional membranes by radiation-induced graft copolymerization anticipating their use in three specific domains of application: electrochemical devices in the energy sector, separation of CO2 from natural or renewal gas, and catalysts for biodiesel production. In order to reach the global level of performance of the membrane materials, which depends on the fine tuning of chemical efficiency with mechanical and functional durability, the CRP has the following aims:
- exploring relationships between membrane morphology and its transport properties;
- improving the control of graft distribution, graft chain length, and post-grafting functionalization;
- designing polymer grafts with improved resistance in operating conditions;
- implementing multiscale characterization of the morphology of the membranes for establishing fine structure properties relationships;
- harmonizing test procedures for performance evaluation.
In particular, this CRP will provide:
- enhanced capabilities, experience and skills of personnel in Member States;
- stable network of co-operating laboratories and industrial partners in Member States for future developments in the field of radiation technology;
- promotion of radiation processing as a clean manufacturing approach for membrane technologies in general and for the energy sector in particular;
- contribution to the development of a sustainable economy and green industry.
CRP Overall Objective
The primary goal of this CRP is to develop methodologies for the use of radiation technology in the synthesis, modification, and characterization of radiation-grafted membranes for cleaner environment and sustainable energy development.
Specific Research Objectives:
- to develop processes, techniques, and protocols for radiation-grafted membranes for cleaner environment and sustainable energy development;
- to investigate key challenges in radiation grafting, such as structural and functional parameters, methodological and technological aspects;
- to transfer research results to end-users;
- to establish a network of collaboration in the field of radiation grafting.
How to join the CRP:
Please submit your Proposal for Research Contract or Agreement by email to the IAEA’s Research Contracts Administration Section, using the appropriate template on the CRA website. Applications should be submitted by 01 May 2019.
For further information related to this CRP, potential applicants should use the contact form under the CRP page