Mission

The Rice Center for Membrane Excellence (RiCeME) advances next-generation membrane materials and separation technologies for critical applications in energy, environmental sustainability, and chemical processing. This mission directly supports the strategic priorities of the Rice University School of Engineering and Computing, particularly in the areas of energy and sustainability.

Approach

RiCeME fosters a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment by engaging faculty expertise from the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and NanoEngineering, and Chemistry. This collaborative approach enables comprehensive investigation, from fundamental materials science to applied engineering solutions.

The Center prioritizes strong partnerships with Houston-area industries, including those in the oil and gas, chemical, and energy sectors, addressing their specific needs, such as water reuse and resource recovery. RiCeME's research spans the entire development pipeline, encompassing membrane material design and synthesis, bench-scale testing, and pilot-scale demonstrations.

To achieve its goals, RiCeME actively pursues funding opportunities from federal agencies, industry partners, and international collaborations. The Center also serves as a hub for knowledge dissemination and workforce development by hosting workshops, symposia, and training programs on cutting-edge membrane science and technology.