Dr. Akansha Mehta shares latest details from her ongoing secondment! Thanks to an active support from Dr. Martin Schwentenwein and Dr. Abhijeet Lale, the research has now progressed to its next phase at Lithoz, demonstrating a circular approach that simultaneously addresses the management of end-of-life glass containers and the treatment of industrial wastewater. Prior to the membrane fabrication process, a series of critical preparatory steps were conducted to ensure the quality and functionality of the printed membranes:

1. Rheological Characterization: The flow behavior and viscosity of the slurry—comprising waste glass and photoactive semiconductor materials—were thoroughly analyzed using a rheometer to ensure optimal printability.
2. Homogenization Assessment: The uniformity of the slurry was verified using a grindometer, ensuring that the mixture was well-dispersed and free of large particulates, which is essential for consistent membrane structure.
3. Curing Depth Evaluation: The depth of curing was assessed to determine the appropriate exposure parameters, ensuring mechanical stability and integrity during and after the printing process.

These preparatory measures significantly enhance the reliability of the subsequent membrane fabrication. The wastewater treatment application and validation of the membranes will be carried out at the Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass (FunGlass), where further performance testing under real wastewater conditions is planned.