Innovation in complex structures combining 3D Microvilli-based materials and active coating and interfaces to disrupt high-capacity filtration systems - CERMIC

Project summary

CERMIC project addresses the critical issue of global freshwater scarcity, as over 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, resulting in over 2 million annual deaths due to waterborne diseases. Ceramic membranes are promising for water treatment due to their stability and long lifespan, but they are currently limited to micro- and ultrafiltration, lacking precise separation capabilities. CERMIC aims to overcome these limitations by developing innovative ceramic membranes with superior filtration, modularity, and compactness, using advanced additive manufacturing techniques to create unique microvilli geometries. CERMIC will be applied in tap water filtration, wastewater treatment, water reuse, desalination, and environmental remediation. By achieving a significantly higher area-to-volume ratio, CERMIC will increase filtration capacity while minimizing operational costs - advancing water reuse and contaminant removal, supporting a sustainable circular economy.