The next SafeCREW Key Result has now been published on the Horizon Results Platform: Adsorptive membrane process to selectively remove NOM coupled with a sustainable electrochemical regeneration method.
Ion exchangers are widely used for removing natural organic matter (NOM) from water due to their charge-based adsorption mechanisms. However, conventional ion exchange resins suffer from pore diffusion limitations that restrict throughput and require chemical-intensive regeneration. To overcome these challenges, SafeCREW developed a functionalized porous membrane adsorber that minimizes diffusion limitations and enables significantly higher water fluxes.
The system incorporates weak basic anion exchangers (WBAs), which exhibit pH-dependent charge behavior. Below their isoelectric point, WBAs are positively charged and efficiently adsorb negatively charged NOM, particularly humic substances that act as precursors for harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs). At alkaline pH, WBAs deprotonate, lose their positive charge, and release the adsorbed NOM.
To regenerate the adsorber without chemicals, the research team at DVGW-TUHH integrated an electrochemical regeneration approach. Electrodes placed close to the thin porous membrane induce localized pH increases via oxygen reduction when a potential is applied. This triggers NOM desorption directly within the membrane, enabling efficient regeneration cycles and offering a more sustainable alternative for water treatment.
Publication on the Horizon Results Platform
For further development towards higher TRL DVGW-TUHH seeks collaboration projects with a water utility open to do onsite testing on a pilot plant and/or analytical partners for broader application areas (PFAS, CECs).
More information:
- Wullenweber, J., Bennert, J., Mantel, T. and Ernst, M. 2024.
Characterizing Macroporous Ion Exchange Membrane Adsorbers for Natural Organic Matter (NOM) Removal—Adsorption and Regeneration Behavior,
Membranes 2024, 14(6), 124;
https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes14060124 - Wullenweber, J., Vahedi, Sh., Bennert, J. and Ernst, M. (2026).
Electrochemical regeneration of macroporous anion exchange membrane Adsorbers for the removal of natural organic matter (NOM),
Journal of Water Process Engineering, Volume 85, 2026, 109770, ISSN 2214-7144, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2026.109770. - D2.2 Report on material properties of conductive membrane for optimal disinfection by-product precursor removal – public report
- SafeCREW resources