Professor Rahul Raveendran Nair, University of Manchester

Membranes function as a selective barrier, allowing some species to pass through but not others. Membranes made from graphene oxide (GO), a chemical derivative of graphene, demonstrate tunable ion-sieving, electrically controllable water permeation, and fast water transport. These properties make this an ideal candidate for next-generation membranes for filtration and separation technology. This project’s aim is to explore how graphene and other 2D materials-based membranes can be used for more healthy, sustainable and responsible plant-based food production. The project will target the selective removal of sugars, alcohol and acids to obtain a more balanced plant-based diet by investigating and applying novel membrane technology. It will strengthen the general food sector by providing better plant food and beverage products; adopting a more plant-based lifestyle can lower the impact of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.