VŠB-TUO to become a key player in membrane technology

He is based at the Nanotechnology Centre at VŠB-TUO, where he not only conducts research but also collaborates with students. His research primarily centers on the development of advanced membrane processes aimed at efficient water purification, heavy metal removal, and resource recycling. Professor Van der Bruggen has an impressive publication record, with over 800 works cited more than 50,000 times, and boasts an H-index of 108.

Could you briefly introduce your research focus?

My research is related to membrane science and technology: finding sustainable solutions for separations, mostly in liquid media, related to (waste)water treatment, and resource recycling. Water treatment requires selective separation of specific compounds, which can be inorganic (phosphates, nitrates, salts in general,...) or organic (micropollutants, dyes). I use pressure-driven membrane technologies, electrodriven membrane technology, or membrane contactors for this purpose. The topic further expands to resource recycling, considering, for example, lithium, magnesium, and other elements in brines (from desalination or natural brines), which require exceptional selectivities for recovery. This is a crucial research area in Europe when expanded towards materials recycling. Much effort goes into the development and synthesis of advanced membranes for these separations, and this often includes the use of nanosized structures in the membrane formulation, which is a strength of VŠB-TUO.

How did the collaboration with VŠB-TUO and the REFRESH project come about?

In practice, this came by a very fortunate coincidence, when Daniela Plachá and I met during a membrane conference organized in Prague. It was immediately clear that there are striking complementarities, and a mutual interest in collaboration was expressed. After further discussion, this then resulted in a formal engagement with VŠB, opening up ambitious plans for synergies. 

What do you expect from the REFRESH project, and what attracted you to it?

The colleagues at VŠB-TUO have excellent knowledge that is complementary to my own. My orientation is towards processes, while the colleagues at VŠB-TUO have a more materials-oriented approach. The combination will be a winning team. There is also an application aspect, which in my case relates to separation challenges; energy, however, is never far away and is in fact to be integrated with separation processes. The REFRESH project gives opportunities to do so, and this makes us very enthusiastic.

What will be your role in the REFRESH project?

This relates to my expertise in membrane technology. The labs at VŠB-TUO are well equipped for the development and characterization of nanomaterials, and there is a strong link to application in membranes. This can help build a track record at VŠB-TUO in membrane science and technology. This is not easy, but building on my reputation and that of colleague Pavel Izák will strongly facilitate not only the actual research but also the global visibility.

You cooperate with several international universities. What advantages do you see in collaborating with VŠB-TUO?

I already mentioned the strong complementarities, which allow me to broaden my own scope and, vice versa, the scope of VŠB. The synergy that leads to doing more by collaborating is very important. 

Off the record: a strong motivation is also simply in the fact that I like the people at VŠB-TUO -  there is a click. My sympathy for VŠB-TUO probably makes the real difference with other collaborations, even though my formal reasons are motivated by the complementarities in research topics.

The REFRESH project focuses on the transformation of the region, but its results will be transferable elsewhere as well. Your research often targets environmental applications. Do you see common ground in this area?

Yes, absolutely. The region is a good case, also across borders towards Poland, for example, as it has the potential to respond to challenges we have today in Europe, not only environmental but also regarding development. This can be an example within Europe.

Do you also plan to collaborate with VŠB -TUO students?

Absolutely. At the PhD level, this has already been initiated. It can be further expanded.