Tech Offers

Membrane System for High Recovery Water Reclamation

Reclaimed water is a critical source of water in Singapore and globally. Common practical limit of existing technology based on microfiltration/ultrafiltration-membrane bioreactor (MF/UF-MBR) and reverse osmosis (RO) for water reclamation has 75-85% recovery due to RO membrane fouling.This technology presents a hybrid system consisting of a high retention nanofiltration-membrane bioreactor (NF-MBR) and RO developed to achieve ≥90% of water recovery. NF-MBR produces superior quality effluent because the NF membrane can retain low molecular weight organics and scale forming divalent ions. Thus, membrane fouling in downstream RO process can be alleviated significantly, which allows higher recovery.

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Ultra-permeable Biomimetic Membrane for Desalination

Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is the state-of-the-art technology to transform the inexhaustible supply of seawater into freshwater to alleviate water stress worldwide. Nevertheless, the least energy-intensive seawater desalination plant still consumes around 3 kWh per m3 water produced, which is three to four times higher than surface water treatment. Thus, the biomimetic membrane is explored to improve the energy efficiency to maintain the sustainability of seawater desalination.A unique aquaporin-based biomimetic membrane (ABM) is formulated by incorporating the water channel proteins, aquaporins, into a polyamide membrane matrix to fabricate ultra-permeable SWRO membrane for clean water production. This robust ABM can be operated at the harsh condition of the desalination plant, i.e., high salinity, high operating pressure and extreme chemical cleaning process for the membrane. In addition, the ABM exhibits excellent performance stability and antifouling propensity. Most importantly, it is scalable to the industrial production level.The technology owner is interested in seeking technology licensing collaborators or manufacturing partners.

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A Compact UHF RFID Tag for Metallic Objects

This technology offer is a Ultrahigh Frequency (UHF) Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag antenna for use on metal structures. 2 versions are available: A compact dual-band version with folded strip structure, with a total size of only 20 mm × 30 mm × 1.5 mm. This tag can be well used in different RFID systems, which work at different UHF bands, such as European and American frequencies. The reading patterns of this tag are with different directions in two bands. A single band version with a total size of only 10 mm × 30 mm × 1.5 mm. This tag can be well used in planar as well as conformal platforms, such as metallic cylinders and bearings.Automated factories should be interested in these tags, and they can use the miniaturized tags with RFID technology to intelligently detect whether the machinery and equipment are running normally.

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Multifunctional 3D Printed Porous Carbon Materials Derived From Paper

This technology offer is technique that can turn renewable cellulose paper feedstock into lightweight carbon foams that are architected into highly complex geometries that cannot be produced through traditional manufacturing techniques, such as closed-cell lattices. These carbon foam lattices exhibited excellent mechanical properties, particularly in energy absorption, as well as good battery characteristics, low thermal conductivity and relatively good electrical conductivity. Unlike most traditional carbon foams that are brittle, paper-based carbon foams can withstand ~ 30% strain before significant deformation sets in. These multifunctional properties, the quick and easy customization of part geometry and the use of green feedstock are expected to be useful for aerospace, automobile, sports, medical and thermal insulation markets, as they search for the next generation of eco-friendly, high-performance materials.This technology is available for R&D collaboration, IP licensing, or test bedding, with partners such as battery manufacturers, supplier to battery manufacturer, space industry, etc.

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Efficient LoRa WAN protocol for mission critical IoT applications

An improvised LoRaWAN has been developed to enhance data transmission efficiency between LoRa trackers and LoRaWAN gateways addressing the prevalent issue of mid-air data loss due to collisions. This improved protocol enhances the data transmission rate from its current range of 10-30% to 65%. This substantial improvement leads to power savings for IoT end nodes, particularly those powered by batteries, by eliminating the need for data re-transmission. Moreover, the improved protocol also significantly increases gateway capacity, thereby reducing the capital expenditure associated with IT infrastructure.

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Safe and Rechargeable Water-Based Battery

To achieve a net-zero carbon emission goal, energy derived from fossil fuels are replaced with green renewables such as solar, wind, etc. However, these renewable energies are intermittent in nature and therefore requires a reliable energy storage system to store these energies. Today, batteries based on lithium-ion and lead-acid are widely used as the go-to energy storage system. However, there are fire safety concerns for the conventional lithium-ion batteries due to its highly volatile and flammable electrolyte while the acidic electrolyte and carcinogenic lead used in lead-acid posed threat to both human and environmental health. Therefore, there is a need for a new safe and environmentally friendly battery system.This technology offer is a safe and rechargeable water-based battery using a unique green electrolyte formulation (close to neutral pH). Owing to the widened electrochemical stability window and high ionic conductivity of the proposed electrolyte formulation, it enables superior electrochemical performance of the electrode materials used in the batteries, suited towards large-scale energy storage applications.

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