M.I. Baig MSc (Irshad)

Membrane based separation processes are applied extensively in a number of industries such as desalination plants, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, food processing and so on. Polymeric membranes have proved themselves to be a cost effective and efficient alternative to inorganic and ceramic membranes. 

The existing polymer membranes are prepared using a non-solvent induced phase separation process (NIPS) which requires an environmentally unfriendly solvent such as N-methyl-pyrrolidone. The membranes prepared by this method have an asymmetric structure with a dense layer on top with a microporous support layer that provides mechanical support.The use of such reprotoxic solvents is an environmental concern due to their harmful nature and expensive cleaning cycles. Therefore, there is a need to develop polymer membranes using an alternative approach which relies purely on non-toxic solvents.

During my PhD I will develop membranes based on a novel approach which uses non-toxic solvents to prepare polymer membranes. The aim of my work is to propose a new method of membrane preparation using polyelectrolyte complexation as a viable alternative to NIPS. 

Publications

Education

2014-2016: Master of Engineering in Advanced Energy and Technology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, South Korea.

2009-2013: Bachelors of Science in Materials Engineering, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi 23460. Pakistan.

Experience

Organisations

• Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW), Membrane Science & Technology (MST)