Gas-Switchable and Re-usable Cellulose Nanocrystal Membrane for Active NanoFiltration and UltraFiltration

The invention, a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) membrane with adjustable pore size, aims to replace some NF and UF membranes currently available on the market to offer industrials flexibility in their processes. Depending on the needs of the process, the end-user will be able to actively control the pores size of that smart membrane, within nanometers (nm), just by bubbling CO2 and N2 in aqueous solution. That active control allows the adjustment of the filtration level and of the flowrate. Also, it reduces maintenance expenses: since the end-user can open the pores to clean the filter, then close the pores to re-use it as if it was brand-new. Josianne Vigneault j.vigneault@transfertech.ca 819 679-5316