“Houston is the ideal place to drive innovation in membrane separation technologies,” said Menachem Elimelech, the Nancy and Clint Carlson Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, who will lead RiCeME. “Membranes are critical for energy-related separations such as fuel cells, carbon capture and water purification. Our work will enhance efficiency and sustainability in these key sectors.”

“Rice University is committed to pushing the boundaries of research that has real-world impact,” said Luay Nakhleh, the William and Stephanie Sick Dean of the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. “RiCeME is a testament to our dedication to solving pressing global challenges through engineering innovation.”

The center prioritizes partnerships with Houston-area industries, addressing their specific needs such as water reuse and resource recovery. RiCeME’s research spans the entire development pipeline, encompassing membrane material design and synthesis, bench-scale testing and pilot-scale demonstrations.

“Breakthroughs in membrane technology will play a crucial role in addressing energy and sustainability challenges,” said Ramamoorthy Ramesh, executive vice president for research at Rice. “RiCeME’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that our discoveries move from the lab to real-world applications, driving innovation at the intersection of science and industry.”

Along with its research and deployment goals, the center also serves as a hub for knowledge dissemination and workforce development by hosting workshops, symposia and training programs on membrane science and technology.

Source: Rice University