Motivation
High concentrations of sodium ions in water affects the permeability of soil and causes infiltration problems. Reuse of irrigation water is therefore often limited by the accumulation of sodium ions. Nowadays, this irrigation water, containing valuable nutrients, has often to be discharged to the environment as a brine stream. Therefore, reuse of water and nutrients would be enhanced when sodium could be selectively removed from irrigation water. However, up to now there is still no cost-effective industrial technology that can selectively remove sodium. In a few proof of principle experiments at Wetsus, a solid extractant (‘ionic crystal’) was found capable of doing this. Due to its solid state, two possible options for technological applications can be considered: a sodium selective ion-exchange resin or a sodium selective membrane. The new developed ionic crystals will then be tested for continuous selective sodium removal.
Research aimThe aim of this project is to research and develop a process based on a novel extractant (ionic crystal) to selectively remove sodium from water/salt mixtures. The synthesis of the ionic crystals and the extraction experiments need to be confirmed as well as the characterization of the selectivity, capacity and its regeneration ability. Depending on the results of the regeneration, the ionic crystals will be integrated into a process operation based on sodium-specific resins or in sodium-specific membranes. Based on this, a system for a continuous sodium selective removal will be engineered and tested.
High concentrations of sodium ions in water affects the permeability of soil and causes infiltration problems. Reuse of irrigation water is therefore often limited by the accumulation of sodium ions. Nowadays, this irrigation water, containing valuable nutrients, has often to be discharged to the environment as a brine stream. Therefore, reuse of water and nutrients would be enhanced when sodium could be selectively removed from irrigation water. However, up to now there is still no cost-effective industrial technology that can selectively remove sodium. In a few proof of principle experiments at Wetsus, a solid extractant (‘ionic crystal’) was found capable of doing this. Due to its solid state, two possible options for technological applications can be considered: a sodium selective ion-exchange resin or a sodium selective membrane. The new developed ionic crystals will then be tested for continuous selective sodium removal.
Research aimThe aim of this project is to research and develop a process based on a novel extractant (ionic crystal) to selectively remove sodium from water/salt mixtures. The synthesis of the ionic crystals and the extraction experiments need to be confirmed as well as the characterization of the selectivity, capacity and its regeneration ability. Depending on the results of the regeneration, the ionic crystals will be integrated into a process operation based on sodium-specific resins or in sodium-specific membranes. Based on this, a system for a continuous sodium selective removal will be engineered and tested.
Desired skills and experience
RequirementsWe
are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree preferably in the field
of chemistry or chemical engineering with good experimental and
theoretical skills.
Partnership
The research project is part of the Wetsus research theme Desalination/Salt.
The following companies are part of the theme: Friesland Campina, Esco Salt, Shell, Vitens, DMT, Yara, Van der Knaap
Promotor: prof. dr. Francesco Picchioni (University of Groningen, Department of Product Technology).
For more information about the project and to submit an application, please visit
Partnership
The research project is part of the Wetsus research theme Desalination/Salt.
The following companies are part of the theme: Friesland Campina, Esco Salt, Shell, Vitens, DMT, Yara, Van der Knaap
Promotor: prof. dr. Francesco Picchioni (University of Groningen, Department of Product Technology).
For more information about the project and to submit an application, please visit
About the employer
Wetsus
is looking for excellent and highly motivated candidates with interest
in water science and technology having an MSc degree in microbiology,
chemistry, (applied) physics, bio-technology, chemical engineering,
electronics, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines.
The Wetsus research program brings together research on water technology from over 16 universities from all over Europe in one physical location in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. The research is demand driven through active participation of more than 90 industrial partners in the program. Key elements in the program are the strong focus on interdisciplinary interaction, entrepreneurial skills and societal relevance.
You will be working in an innovative, dynamic and future-directed institute on water technology research. You will work in close collaboration with industrial partners.
The Wetsus research program brings together research on water technology from over 16 universities from all over Europe in one physical location in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. The research is demand driven through active participation of more than 90 industrial partners in the program. Key elements in the program are the strong focus on interdisciplinary interaction, entrepreneurial skills and societal relevance.
You will be working in an innovative, dynamic and future-directed institute on water technology research. You will work in close collaboration with industrial partners.
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