Guest Lecturer Lunch Seminar: Razi Epsztein on Membrane Separation Technologies

Join ISF and the Department of Mechanical Engineering for a guestlecture by Dr. Razi Epsztein

Day: Thursday, July 10th

Time: 11:30-12:45

Location: Burton Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship,Room 129

Title: Targeting solute-solute selectivity inmembrane separation

Abstract: Synthetic dense membranes with pores atthe sub-nanometre scale are at the core of processes for separatingsolutes from water, such as water purification and desalination. Whilethese membrane processes have achieved substantial industrial success, thecapability of state-of-the-art membranes to achieve high selectivitybetween solutes is limited. Such high-precision separation would enablefit-for-purpose treatment, improving the sustainability of currentwater-treatment processes and opening doors for new applications ofmembrane technologies. In this talk, Dr. Epsztein will introduce thechallenges of state-of-the-art membranes to achieve high selectivitybetween solutes. He will then discuss his lab's currentattempts to promote solute-solute selectivity in membrane separation usingimproved process and membrane design, which are inspired by the team'srecent insights into the selectivity mechanisms in dense membranes.

Bio: Razi Epsztein is an Associate Professor inthe Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Technion –Israel Institute of Technology. He earned his BSc and MSc degrees fromBen-Gurion University of the Negev and completed his PhD at the Technion,followed by postdoctoral training in the lab of Prof. Menachem Elimelechat Yale University. His research focuses on membrane-based processes forwater and wastewater treatment, with particular emphasis on thefundamental mechanisms of molecular transport and selectivity in membranesand nanopores. Building on these insights, his group develops advancedmembranes and separation processes with enhanced ion selectivity,including the design of ion-specific membranes that recognize target ionsthrough tailored binding sites and molecular interactions.

Register herefor hospitality planning.