The research program in Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC) involves fundamental and application study of various membrane-based separation processes including gas separation, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and ion exchange membranes for fuel cell. In particular, we study the effects of fabrication conditions of flat sheet and hollow fiber membranes on the struct
ural properties and separation performance by adopting a combine effect of phase inversion and rheologically induced molecular orientation approach. The idea of enhance molecular orientation during membrane manufacturing enhances membrane performance has been successfully proven in membrane processes, such as gas separation, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and ultrafiltration. This has led to the widespread interest in developing high performance membranes for gas-gas and liquid-liquid phase separation. The research programs have been expended to include development of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) -based carbon fiber as precursor for composite materials, development carbon membranes for gas separation and synthesis and production of carbon nanotubes for hydrogen storage for fuel cell application. These important areas which fall under nanomaterials and nanotechnology have generated widespread interest into developing an advanced material both for membrane and composite technologies. The research program in AMTEC, UTM is highly interdisciplinary and involves a number of international collaborations. Recently, the British Council approved a project under Prime Minister Initiative 2 Connect (PMI2) – Research Co-operation Award, which is in collaboration with Imperial College, London.
