- The initiative is part of the CEMINK project, granted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the FEDER funds
In recent years, the need to reuse water has become increasingly urgent due to climate change and rising water stress, particularly in the Mediterranean region. This, coupled with general water scarcity, has spurred significant interest in membrane technologies, which can produce high-quality purified water suitable for reuse in sectors such as agriculture and industry.
In this context, FACSA, the University Institute of Ceramic Technology of the Universitat Jaume I of Castellón (ITC-UJI), and the PROMETEO research group of the Institute of Industrial, Radiophysical and Environmental Safety of the Universitat Politècnica de València have launched the CEMINK project. This initiative, led by FACSA, aims to leverage the possibilities of digital inkjet printing to apply selective layers onto ceramic substrates, thus obtaining ceramic microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes for wastewater treatment plants.
Thus, the project -granted by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the FEDER funds- aims to conceive, develop and validate a manufacturing technology for low-cost ceramic microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes - as well as eventually membranes with special requirements (anti-biofouling, catalytic, conductive…)- by combining low-cost ceramic materials and applying digital inkjet printing technology.
Although the project aims to validate the membranes in typical wastewater treatment processes—which ensures a large initial market in a country with structurally water-deficient areas—this manufacturing technology could be applied to membranes intended for other industrial sectors (beverages, food, chemical, etc.), which significantly expands its potential impact.
