Center for Research in Multiscale Science and Engineering

PhD Thesis Defense - Tanaz Moghadamfar

Advanced membrane modification strategies to improve the ion selectivity of nanofiltration membranes for developing circular processing of brackish water

When

Nov 06, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 01:30 PM (Europe/Madrid / UTC100)

Where

Sala d'Actes - Edifici A - Campus Diagonal-Besòs (UPC)

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As part of the Doctoral Programme in Chemical Process Engineering, Tanaz Moghadamfar will be defending her PhD thesis on Friday, 6th Nobember 2026, at 10:30 AM, at the Escola d’Enginyeria de Barcelona Est (EEBE)

  • Name of the author: Tanaz Moghadamfar

  • Thesis title: Advanced membrane modification strategies to improve the ion selectivity of nanofiltration membranes for developing circular processing of brackish water

  • Thesis director: Prof. Mònica Reig i Amat

  • Thesis co-director: Prof. Luis Javier del Valle Mendoza

Membrane technologies are essential for addressing global water scarcity and supporting the European Union’s transition toward a circular economy and European Green Deal targets, particularly through the recovery of valuable resources like Mg²⁺. While nanofiltration (NF) is central to energy-efficient, selective ion separation, conventional membranes are limited by poor monovalent/divalent selectivity, membrane fouling, and insufficient ion transport control.

This doctoral research addresses these fundamental bottlenecks by integrating layer-by-layer (LBL) surface engineering with metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocomposite fabrication, developing high-performance NF membranes with tailored selectivity, enhanced permeability, and long-term stability.

Key highlights of the research:

  • Layer-by-Layer Surface Engineering: Systematically optimizing PDADMAC/PSS and PAH/PSS polyelectrolyte assemblies (1.5–6.5 bilayers) on polyamide and sulfonated polyether sulfone substrates to precisely control multilayer thickness, charge density, and compaction.

  • Advanced Multi-Technique Characterization: Coupling FE-SEM, AFM, FTIR, Raman imaging, ellipsometry, contact angle analysis, and chemometrics to establish direct structure–property–performance relationships across surface chemistry and morphology.

  • Optimized Monovalent/Divalent Ion Transport: Achieving enhanced Na/Ca, Na/Mg, K/Ca, and K/Mg selectivities alongside high water permeability (optimally at 5.5 bilayers for PDADMAC/PSS and 6.5 bilayers for PAH/PSS on polyamide; 0.01 wt.% polyelectrolyte on sulfonated polyether sulfone).

  • Interlayer & Active Layer Nanocomposite Design: Incorporating ZIF-8-NH₂ and UiO-66-NH₂ nanoparticles into thin-film composite and ultra-loose NF structures, identifying a dual-location configuration (UiO-66-NH₂ interlayer + ZIF-8-NH₂ active layer) that yields an optimal balance between flux and ion separation.

Ultimately, this work bridges interfacial molecular control and practical membrane engineering, establishing a versatile design framework for next-generation nanofiltration in sustainable water treatment, hard water softening, and critical resource recovery.