Dr Robert Johnson

Biography

Research theme: Environment, Food
Research discipline: Chemistry
Research area
The development of hydrophilic coatings for hydrophobic membranes of the types used in membrane distillation and osmotic distillation
These processes are used for the concentration of aqueous solutions such as:

• fruit juices


• beverages


• dairy products


• nuclear waste solutions

They depend on membrane hydrophobicity for water removal without the loss of dissolved solids.
Hydrophobic materials such as fats and some proteins present in the solution being concentrated can destroy that property unless protected by a hydrophilic coating.
Selective removal of dissolved volatile species from aqueous solutions using a patented process known as Perstraction with Chemical Reaction
Applications include:

• the removal of dissolved oxygen for corrosion prevention or to reduce the need for preservatives


• the removal of dimethyl sulphide from beer to enhance flavour


• the removal of any species that will react with an oxidising or a reducing agent.