Membranes and Renewable Energies (MER) Research Group – UCM 

Membranes and Renewable Energies (MER) Research Group – UCM 

The Membranes and Renewable Energies (MER) Research Group at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) is affiliated with the Campus Moncloa of International Excellence and integrated into the Department of Structure of Matter, Thermal Physics, and Electronics at the Faculty of Physical Sciences. 

MER is an internationally recognized research group specializing in membrane science and renewable energy technologies, with a strong focus on membrane distillation (MD), forward osmosis (FO), electrodialysis (ED), and other separation processes, as well as the development and optimization of solar thermal, photovoltaic, and wind energy systems for various applications. 

The group has extensive expertise in the design, fabrication, and characterization of advanced membranes and membrane modules, including: 

• Superhydrophobic MD membranes 

• Nanotextured membranes via electrospinning 

• Hollow fiber and flat-sheet membranes produced by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) 

Additionally, MER actively researches the integration of renewable energy sources into separation processes and sustainable technologies, exploring innovative solutions such as: 

• Photothermal membrane distillation (P-MD) systems for desalination and wastewater treatment 

• Hybrid solar-wind energy systems to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes 

• Optimization of passive and active energy systems using unconventional energy sources 

• Development of energy-efficient solutions for water purification and environmental applications 

MER has state-of-the-art facilities for membrane preparation, modification, and evaluation, as well as for renewable energy applications, including: 

• Electrospinning systems for nanofibrous membrane fabrication 

• Direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) setups 

• Electrodialysis (ED) and pervaporation (PV) systems 

• Forward osmosis (FO), ultrafiltration, and microfiltration setups 

• Photothermal and photovoltaic test platforms 

• Wind energy experimental setups 
• Advanced analytical instruments for membrane and energy system characterization (e.g., Z-potential, liquid entry pressure, surface contact angle, thermal conductivity, porometry, DSC, FTIR, SEM-EDX, and AFM)