Polymer Membrane Research at UVA
The Geise research group seeks to develop structure/property/processing relationships to guide polymeric materials design for membrane-based liquid separation and energy applications by understanding the influence of nano- and molecular-scale interactions and phenomena on mass transfer and system-level performance.
We are based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Geise Group Research:
Water-Energy Nexus
Our research focuses on experimental studies aimed at solving fundamental and practical problems related to water and ion transport through polymers that could be used as membranes in a variety of water and energy applications. Providing sustainable and economic supplies of purified water and clean energy solutions is a critical global challenge for the future, and polymer membranes will play a key role in these efforts.
We seek to rationally tailor and design polymers at the molecular level and process those polymers to engineer advanced membrane materials that will expand access to clean water and enhance the use of renewable energy sources.
Water Purification for a Thirsty World
Within the next 10 years, the United Nations predicts that nearly two-thirds of the world’s population may find themselves living in a water stressed area.
Today, the vast majority of desalination processes are performed using polymer-based membranes. Improved membranes are needed to meet the challenges of economically and sustainably purifying increasingly saline and contaminated water sources around the globe.
Clean and Renewable Energy
to Light our Future
Energy demand around the globe is projected to increase by more than 50% over the next 35 years, and sustainable, low-carbon footprint energy resources are needed to meet this increasing energy demand.
Technologies such as large-scale flow batteries, reverse electrodialysis, and capacitive mixing rely on polymer membranes to regulate ion transport. Improved membrane selectivity will enable advances in renewable energy storage and generation technologies.
Publications
Join the Geise Research Group
Prospective graduate students interested in joining the group should indicate their interest when applying for admission to the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia.
Undergraduate students interested in research opportunities should express interest by contacting Prof. Geise directly. Please be prepared to provide copies of your most recent resume and unofficial transcript.
Latest News from the Geise Group
October 2024
Prof. Geise gave a seminar at the Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy at Columbia University on Engineering ion transport in polymer membranes for water purification and energy applications. Thank you to Prof. Oscar Nordness for the invitation!
October 2024
Charlie Leroux used his skills on the grill to cook breakfast for the UVA ChE Grad Board tailgate in advance of the Boston College vs. UVA homecoming football game.
September 2024
Congratulations to Sean Bannon on winning the UVA Department of Chemical Engineering summer seminar series oral presentation competiton. Sean presented his research titled Understanding the influence of sodium chloride concentration on ion diffusion in charged polymers in July. Sean also was recently awarded the UVA Engineering Carlos and Esther Farrar Fellowship. Congratulations Sean!
August 2024
Prof. Geise was invited to participate in and present at the Polymers & Membranes for Clean Energy & Resource Recovery workshop at NREL in Golden, CO. He presented during and participated as a panelist in the Discovery & Co-Design session of the workshop, which aimed to bring together leading experts from industry, academia, federal agencies and national labs to discuss gaps and needs for translational membrane research for clean energy and resource recovery.
August 2024
Charlie Leroux and Caroline Morin won a NSF I-Corps travel grant to participate in a hybrid I-Corps Course associated with The Battery Show, held in Detroit in early October.
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