Poster

P5.12 – Techno-economic analysis of solvent treated nanocellulose based membranes for ultrafiltration

Mariia Vlasova

Aalto University

Co-author(s):
Nikolai Ponomarev, Aalto University
Alexey  Khakalo, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Dmitrii Rusakov, Aalto University
Bruno Dufau Mattos, Aalto University
Luana Dessbesell, Aalto University

Over the past years, nanocellulose has attracted notice as a renewable and biodegradable alternative to synthetic materials [1]. Nanocellulose structures offer highly hydrophilic anti-biofouling surfaces and improve the membrane’s size-selective separation ability [2]. Despite these advantages, mechanical stability and economic viability remain to be significant challenges for nanocellulose-based membranes. One of the possibilities to tackle these obstacles is solvent-modified membranes. This study conducts a techno-economic analysis to assess the economic feasibility of nanocellulose-enabled membranes with tailored properties. Due to the novelty of such treatment, there is an evident lack of TEA studies on nanocellulose-based membranes and biobased materials. For the assessment, the operating (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) expenditures were estimated based on the scale-up of laboratory process production. For a production capacity of 330 t/a, CAPEX was evaluated at 27.1 M€, and OPEX at 5.4 M€. The minimum selling price (MSP) was calculated at 3.61 € per m2 with a tax rate set at 25% and an internal rate of return (IRR) at 50%. The preliminary findings suggest that nanocellulose membranes have potential commercial competitivity with synthetic materials: prices for industrial-level ultrafiltration industrial level membranes range from 0.20 to 200 € per m2 [3]. The sensitivity analysis showed that CAPEX, tax, and IRR have the highest impact on MSP. Even though synthetic materials remain more industrially accessible and cost-effective, advancements in nanocellulose technology and increasing emphasis on biobased materials highlight the growing potential of nanocellulose-enabled membranes.

References:[1] Mautner, 2020 Mautner, A. (2020). Nanocellulose water treatment membranes and filters: a review. Polymer International, 69(9), 741–751. [2] P. R. Sharma, S. K. Sharma, T. Lindström, B. S. Hsiao. 2020. Nanocellulose-Enabled Membranes for Water Purification: Perspectives. Adv. Sustainable Syst., 4, 1900114. [3] Sterlitech. 2024. Ultrafiltration (UF) Membranes. Assessed on 24.01.2025 https://www.sterlitech.com/ultrafiltration-uf-membrane.html?srsltid=AfmBOorRImegygd3NiRe7IX2chgU-Sp-Xmq2f62RUP4Eqbsk38zc99Vo

Session: 

Time: