Valencia, October 24, 2023 – The University of Valencia hosted a new edition of the Seminars on Polymer Membrane Design for Environmental Technologies, organized by the Materials Technology and Sustainability (MATS) Group, with the distinguished participation of Professor Richard Spontak from North Carolina State University.

The event, held at the Higher Technical School of Engineering, began with the official reception of Professor Spontak by researchers José Badia and Marta Izquierdo, leaders of the CARBONBRANE and METHBRANE projects.

The central moment of the seminar was Professor Spontak’s lecture, titled "Polymer Interface and Surface Modification: From Designer Nanolaminates to Chemical Functionalization," where he presented pioneering advancements in polymer surface modification, applicable to high-performance functional materials in sectors such as energy, medicine, and the environment.

Subsequently, José Badia presented the research lines developed by the MATS group in the field of membrane technologies for environmental purposes, highlighting the results obtained from the CARBONBRANE and METHBRANE projects, both focused on the capture and mitigation of greenhouse gases using advanced polymer membranes.

The event concluded with a group photo and a visit to the MATS group’s laboratories, where Professor Spontak was able to firsthand experience the technological and research capabilities of the Valencian team.

This seminar is part of the CARBONBRANE (PID2021-1224950A-100) and METHBRANE (TED2021-131276A-I00) projects, funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation, the State Research Agency, the FEDER, and the NextGenerationEU/PRTR program, with the aim of advancing toward a more sustainable and emission-free industry.