ERC funds nanoporous membrane development

A scientist has been awarded a top grant from the European Research Council for his polymers research proposal.

Dr Jiayin Yuan has received €1.5m from the scientific funding body for basic research into nanoporous polymer membranes. The investigation centres on a special class of charged polymers known as poly(ionic liquid)s and aims to further develop a new type of nanoporous asymmetric polyelectrolyte membranes (NAPOLI). The NAPOLI membranes have very small pores and a high charged density, and it is hoped that they will be useful in the treatment of tap and wastewater, and will be able to better detect toxic metal ions and organic dyes.

Yuan is research group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, Germany.