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The rapid growth of liquid-ion battery (LIB) production is driving demand for purer N-Methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP), a key solvent used in manufacturing cathodes. While current recovery solutions exist, they can’t meet the stringent purity standards required for reuse in LIB production due to metal contamination. This is where Indaver steps in with an advanced purification process capable of achieving battery-grade NMP. Through the Mem4Bat project, Indaver and VITO are building on previous successes to develop cutting-edge membrane technologies like organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN), aiming to remove metal contaminants at sub-ppb levels. With promising early results, this project is tackling the significant challenge of long-term membrane stability in aggressive solvents, setting the stage for more sustainable and efficient NMP recycling in the growing battery industry.

In the BIOMETH service project, cutting-edge membrane technology is being used to revolutionize biogas upgrading at MESOPOTAMIA ENERGY SA. These innovative membranes separate biogas into biomethane and CO2, paving the way for a greener future. In the next step, CO2 is transformed via hydrogenation into easily transportable methanol, offering a sustainable energy solution. What’s more, the recovered methane—82 times more potent than CO2 in global warming potential—is reintegrated into the natural gas grid, reducing emissions and driving the transition to cleaner energy.

The COHY project is developing three cutting-edge membranes to improve the efficiency of CO2 and hydrogen recovery from industrial emissions. These include: (i) hydrogen-selective Molecular Sieving membranes: Offering superior H2/CO2 selectivity compared to conventional Pd membranes, enabling hydrogen production from KARDOKMAK’s emissions. (ii) Water-selective MS membranes: Extending catalyst life and reducing costs in CO2-to-methanol conversion. (iii) Oriented graphene oxide hollow fiber membranes: with impressive CO2 permeance for efficient carbon capture. COHY is also showcasing cost-effective, membrane-intensified processes, including a two-stage system that slashes CO2 recovery costs by 50% compared to traditional methods! These innovations are set to transform CO2 recovery and hydrogen production, driving a more sustainable and efficient future.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) depend on maintaining optimal humidity levels to protect the fuel cell membrane. To address this, A. Kayser Automotive Systems collaborated with Innomem OITB to design an efficient humidifier. Through simulations and experiments conducted by University of Twente and EMI Twente, it was determined that a counter flow of air streams is the most efficient configuration. Additionally, the optimal membrane surface area and operating conditions were established, while experiments measured the water transfer rates of various membranes. These advancements will help improve the performance and durability of humidifiers in FCEVs, driving greater efficiency in sustainable mobility.

In the rapid growth of electric mobility, battery production is taking off. In particular, ‘Lithium-ion batteries are central to the energy transition. They power our smartphones, electric vehicles and even the power grid. But with this growth also come challenges. Battery factories release large quantities of solvents, such as NMP. This substance is essential for coating electrodes. The challenge? Today, recovering NMP is complex and costly. These solvents are often contaminated with metals. These metals disturb the purity of the solvent, limiting its reuse. Existing drying and distillation processes to recycle the solvent suffer from inefficiencies. This creates waste, despite recycling efforts. In the Innomem project, Indaver and VITO are working together to find a solution. Through advanced membrane technology, we are investigating how to effectively remove these metals, the actual contaminants, at sub-ppb level. That level is essential for the strict purity standards of the battery and microelectronics industries. This allows us to reuse solvents in a sustainable way. Indaver and VITO are testing existing distillation processes with this new membrane technology. This not only ensures a cleaner and more sustainable way of solvent recycling, but also reduces costs and CO2 emissions. Thus, together we realise a future in which the complete but safe reuse of critical substances becomes a reality. The result? Solvents that are so pure that they can also be used in the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, if we improve the reuse of recovered NMP in battery production, there is potential to extend this technology to other sectors such as microelectronics. This will strengthen our position in the Electronic Grade solvents market. This is an important step towards full circular recycling, where materials are not only reused, but also given higher value. At Indaver, we are determined to improve this process further. Together with our partners, such as VITO, we are taking steps to realise a future in which the full but safe reuse of critical substances becomes a reality.

As Europe's membrane market expands, driven by sustainability and technological advancement, the need for reliable modelling and consultancy services is growing. Modelta is stepping in to bridge the gap between research and industry by providing advanced membrane and membrane reactor models integrated with process simulators like Aspen Plus. This technology supports key sectors such as water treatment, hydrogen infrastructure, and carbon capture—vital for the energy transition. By partnering with the INNOMEM consortium, Modelta is collecting essential experimental data across a range of conditions to validate their models and unlock the full potential of membrane technology. The validated models will empower industries with more accurate simulations, reducing risks and enhancing sustainability. With a total addressable market of €2B+, Modelta’s services are set to make a significant impact on Europe’s eco-friendly future.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a group of synthetic chemicals widely utilized in various products for their water- and grease-resistant properties. The persistent nature of PFAS in the environment and potential health concerns have sparked a growing interest in devising effective methods for their removal from water sources. The PFASSELECT project studied and showed the potential of membrane filtration as a flexible and energy-lean treatment tool, or for a standalone process, or in combination with more standard treatment methods.

The textile industry is responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and significant water consumption (~2700 L per cotton shirt!). With 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually and only 1% recycled, the need for change is urgent. To tackle these challenges, new legislative and technological initiatives are emerging worldwide. In Europe, the EU directive 2018/851 mandates separate collection and recycling by 2025. Projects like Textile Change, partnering with B4C, are leading the way by developing energy-efficient recycling processes. ChemTex is focusing on one crucial aspect of textile recycling: the recovery and reuse of strong alkaline and organic acid solutions using innovative membrane technology. Traditional distillation methods are energy-intensive, so ChemTex is exploring ceramic membranes to make the process more sustainable. A two-step ultrafiltration + nanofiltration (UF+NF) approach is proving effective for water and chemical recovery. With Proof of Concept testing underway, ChemTex is identifying the optimal process for scaling up textile recycling—paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The SUMMIT democase focuses on scaling up innovative anion exchange membranes (AEM) technology for water electrolysis, a key process in producing green hydrogen. Cleantech start-up NovaMea, in collaboration with EPFL and UDE, is transitioning from lab-scale to industrial production, aiming to reduce reliance on costly precious metals and enhance compatibility with renewable energy sources like solar and wind. With support from the INNOMEM project, NovaMea is tackling technical challenges in scaling its AEM production through roll-to-roll manufacturing. Despite initial delays, pilot trials have shown promising results, positioning their membranes as competitive in the field of alkaline water electrolysis—crucial for affordable, large-scale hydrogen production.

Despite the industry's shift toward eco-friendly technologies, membrane manufacturing still relies on toxic solvents like DMAC, DMF, and NMP, which harm the environment and are difficult to biodegrade. The European Union's classification of NMP as a high-concern substance has increased the urgency to find safer alternatives. Green solvents such as DMSO and Cyrene® show promise as replacements, but fully sustainable processes also require recycling these solvents to reduce pollution and costs, as membrane manufacturing generates wastewater filled with contaminants. The EcoSolventCycle project aims to improve sustainability by exploring the feasibility of recycling process water and separating solvents and polymeric additives from wastewater using membrane technology. This approach is more energy-efficient than traditional thermal separation methods, which consume 80% of industrial energy. Various membrane processes, including ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN), pervaporation (PV), and membrane distillation (MD), will be studied. Initial results showed that UF membranes could remove over 99% of PVP from wastewater, and PV or MD could recycle over 90% of the process water with high NMP and glycerol rejection. Solvent extraction lead to more than 75% solvent recovery with a purity of 98.5%. An economic analysis indicated that MD-based processes significantly reduced costs compared to full distillation methods.

Re-use of solvents is an important objective in many industries, e.g. pharmaceutical, chemical, bio-tech and paint. The objectives are to improve sustainability and circularity, as well as to save in operational cost and to reduce carbon footprint. Distillation is commonly used for solvent recovery or dehydration. However in several cases, a hybrid process of distillation and pervaporation or a pure pervaporation process can be attractive alternatives. This has been proven by the INNOMEM - TEA HybSi® project by performing a techno-economical evaluation of the different process options, based on experimental pervaporation results with the hybrid silica membranes of Pervatech. Results have shown that CAPEX and energy reductions > 40% can be achieved, leading to a significant CO2 footprint reduction > 80%.

The NANOGOM Democase is breaking new ground in water desalination and lithium recovery with cutting-edge filtration technologies. Using a hybrid NF-RO filtration system, the project improves mineral content in desalinated brackish water and pioneers cost-effective methods for recovering lithium from spent batteries. Key innovations include modifying hollow fiber membranes with carbon-based materials like graphene oxides and carbon nanotubes, enhancing rejection rates for magnesium (Mg2+) and lithium (Li+). Process modeling shows the scalability and competitiveness of this approach compared to current technologies. With promising results in ion rejection, NANOGOM is paving the way for sustainable and economically viable solutions with significant industrial impact.

In this project, membranes were explored for the post-treatment of sugar product streams from Recell’s Chem process, which converts tertiary cellulose in waste streams into valuable glucose through enzymatic hydrolysis. Producing high-quality, standardized glucose is key to building a robust value chain and using renewable sugars as feedstock for bio-based chemicals in tomorrow’s industry. Membrane processes, with their low energy needs, scalability, and alignment with sustainability goals like carbon circularity and zero liquid discharge, are emerging as a “natural” solution for separations in lignocellulosic biorefineries. While the results were promising, some challenges remain, and further research is needed. Recell and VITO are already pursuing new funding opportunities to continue building on the success of the InnoMem project.

We are excited to present the results of the Innomem project, where collaborative research has pushed forward developments in membrane technology and electrodialysis for carbon capture! In this project, Ucaneo, alongside RWTH Aachen University, EMI Twente, and the University of Twente, focused on improving solutions for carbon capture using advanced membrane and electrodialysis technologies. This work is a step toward more sustainable methods of reducing CO2 emissions and protecting our environment. Watch the video below to see how this open call has led to tangible progress in carbon capture research, driving us closer to a greener future. A big thanks to all the partners and contributors for their commitment and expertise! Together, we are making strides toward innovative and sustainable solutions.

A-membranes, backed by INNOMEM Project partner VITO, is rewriting the playbook on ceramic membrane grafting. Say goodbye to outdated methods! A-membranes’ cutting-edge industrial process promises high MRL grafting with a twist – their innovative approach diverges significantly from traditional benchmarks. But that’s not all! We’re shaking up the QC game too. While VITO’s off-line testing methods may be old news, A-membranes is leading the charge with groundbreaking non-destructive in-line QC procedures. Join us on this thrilling journey as we redefine production quality standards and set new benchmarks for the industry!

ISGREEN, in partnership with CNR-ITM, is harnessing cutting-edge membrane technology to extract phycocyanin from Spirulina microalgae. This groundbreaking process not only ensures the extraction of ultra-pure phycocyanin but also eliminates any risk of external contamination. Why is this exciting? • Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste biomass and chemical usage. • Efficient: Cuts down extraction times and costs. • Safe: Enhances workplace safety. • Sustainable: Recovers and reuses almost all the water, either for Spirulina growth or as a biostimulant for crops. Thanks to this innovative project, ISGREEN is set to become a key player in producing bioactive, nature-based compounds from Spirulina.

As part of the Innomem project, the University of Twente and RWTH Aachen University partnered to showcase Covestro's new PRIOLON polymer for membrane production. PRIOLON is an eco-friendly polymer, emitting up to 50% less CO2 in its lifecycle compared to similar polymers. In this project, we spun, tested, and characterized various hollow fiber membranes.

This captivating video dives into the innovative work carried out under the open calls for Flexiramics, a company specializing in flexible ceramic materials. Led by the University of Twente (Twente membranes), EMI Twente BV, and Fraunhofer IKTS, this democase delves into material analysis and explores potential modifications, pushing the boundaries of ceramic technology.

The main objective of this Democase is to develop the flowsheet of a membrane-based CO2 capture plant able to achieve 90% CO2 recovery and 90% CO2 purity in the post-combustion stream of an SMR plant. The challenge is that the developed solution must be competitive, both technically and economically, against state-of-the-art solutions (for instance, amines). The proposed solution should be able to be implemented in SR plants that use not only methane as feedstock, but also biomethane, biogas and bioethanol with relatively small modifications. With the support of a positive techno-economic analysis, CO2 capture plants based on membrane technologies will be appealing to different end users and will boost the implementation of membranes as a solution for post-combustion CO2capture.

We're thrilled to share the progress of the Innomem - IMCEPO project, a collaborative effort between EMI Twente and Parker. Together, we've been pioneering new strategies for potting hollow fibers, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in membrane engineering. In this video, you'll get an inside look at our innovative approach and the cutting-edge techniques we've used to enhance efficiency and performance. This collaboration exemplifies the power of combining expertise to solve complex challenges and drive technological advancements.

Tullia Zucca's pioneering in plasma system prototyping meets its perfect match with INNOMEM Project 's OITB expertise in membranes and membrane reactors! Collaborating with specialists like TECNALIA Research & Innovation and Eindhoven University of Technology, we're turbocharging Zucca's hydrogen production from ammonia decomposition project. Membranes achieving over 99% purity and warm plasma's game-changing capabilities are just the beginning of this dynamic partnership's potential!

With the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions, the process of upgrading biogas presents new opportunities. However, the challenge lies in the cost-effectiveness of production. Innovative membrane technology is reshaping the landscape, optimizing efficiency and making biogas a viable alternative to natural gas.

With growing demands to reduce water usage and recycle wastewater, the EU’s “Zero Pollution Action Plan” will introduce new rules on water pollution. A key goal is to cut harmful emissions and improve urban wastewater treatment. Membrane technology will be crucial in this effort. In the INNOMEM project “CaBeMem”, the University of Twente and Pentair-X-Flow collaborated to test and benchmark innovative X-Flow membranes for removing various harmful substances. Discover more by watching this video.

Excited to share a glimpse of our latest achievements within the Innomem project, where Syensqo collaborated with top-tier partners: EMI Twente, Twente membranes, Me-Sep, Polymen, and Ciaotech - PNO Group. In this project, we've made significant strides in the upscaling of Thin-Film Composite (TFC) hollow fiber membranes, transitioning from static dipcoating to continuous coating. Our innovative approach leverages a novel and unique hollow fiber support provided by Syensqo, setting new benchmarks in membrane technology. Additionally, Ciaotech played a crucial role by conducting an in-depth market analysis, helping us align our technological advancements with market needs.