Membrane Synthesis and Modification
At the Malmali Lab, research in membrane synthesis and modification focuses on engineering next-generation materials tailored for advanced water treatment, desalination, and resource recovery. A core area of expertise includes the development and functionalization of novel nanostructured materials, notably Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG), to create robust, fouling-resistant surfaces for challenging applications like membrane distillation (MD). By tuning synthesis parameters—such as manipulating laser scanning modes or modifying surface chemistry—the lab designs membranes with precise hydrophobicity, enhanced thermal stability, and specialized surface architectures. These modifications are specifically tailored to mitigate severe mineral scaling and organic fouling, optimizing the performance and lifespan of membranes when treating highly concentrated, complex feed streams like oilfield produced water.
Research at the Malmali Lab deeply intersects with renewable energy systems and advanced energy storage. A key focus area is thermochemical energy storage (TCES), particularly for concentrating solar power (CSP) applications. The lab designs novel, high-capacity thermochemical heat batteries centered around an enhanced ammonia synthesis and absorption loop. By engineering scalable, binder-based metal halide absorbents (such as modified $MgCl_2$ matrices), the team has pioneered methods to efficiently capture and store thermal energy. This system overcomes traditional condensation bottlenecks, allowing for long-duration, seasonal energy storage that can release high-temperature, dispatchable heat on demand to drive supercritical steam power cycles.
Renewable Energy Storage
Novel Separation Process (Water/Energy)
At the Malmali Lab, research in membrane synthesis and modification focuses on engineering next-generation materials tailored for advanced water treatment, desalination, and resource recovery. A core area of expertise includes the development and functionalization of novel nanostructured materials, notably Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG), to create robust, fouling-resistant surfaces for challenging applications like membrane distillation (MD). By tuning synthesis parameters—such as manipulating laser scanning modes or modifying surface chemistry—the lab designs membranes with precise hydrophobicity, enhanced thermal stability, and specialized surface architectures. These modifications are specifically tailored to mitigate severe mineral scaling and organic fouling, optimizing the performance and lifespan of membranes when treating highly concentrated, complex feed streams like oilfield produced water.
Research at the Malmali Lab deeply intersects with renewable energy systems and advanced energy storage. A key focus area is thermochemical energy storage (TCES), particularly for concentrating solar power (CSP) applications. The lab designs novel, high-capacity thermochemical heat batteries centered around an enhanced ammonia synthesis and absorption loop. By engineering scalable, binder-based metal halide absorbents (such as modified $MgCl_2$ matrices), the team has pioneered methods to efficiently capture and store thermal energy. This system overcomes traditional condensation bottlenecks, allowing for long-duration, seasonal energy storage that can release high-temperature, dispatchable heat on demand to drive supercritical steam power cycles.
Intensification of Chemical Process
