Main research interest

Dr. Tang’s main research interests include membrane technology, water chemistry, surface and interfacial science, and advanced physical and chemical processes.  He is an expert in membrane fabrication and characterization, membrane based water reclamation and desalination, membrane fouling mitigation, and emerging contaminants removal.  His current research works include: 1) development of high performance novel membranes (e.g., forward osmosis membranes and biomimetic membranes) and membrane processes (forward osmosis, pressure retarded osmosis, hybrid processes, energy efficient desalination, etc.), and 2) advanced water and wastewater treatment.  He is also active in the application of surface and interfacial science and nanotechnology for water and energy applications.

Current research project

• Pressure retarded osmosis for renewable osmotic energy production
• Forward osmosis for desalination and wastewater reclamation
• Novel membrane development (e.g., biomimetic membrane synthesis)
• Energy efficient seawater desalination
• Membrane fouling and fouling control

Selected publications

• C.Y. Tang, T.H. Chong, A.G. Fane, Colloidal interactions and fouling of NF and RO membranes: A review, Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 164 (2011) 126-143.
• C.Y. Tang, Q. Shiang Fu, D. Gao, C.S. Criddle, J.O. Leckie, Effect of solution chemistry on the adsorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate onto mineral surfaces, Water Research, 44 (2010) 2654-2662.
• C.Y. Tang, Y.N. Kwon, J.O. Leckie, The role of foulant-foulant electrostatic interaction on limiting flux for RO and NF membranes during humic acid fouling-Theoretical basis, experimental evidence, and AFM interaction force measurement, Journal of Membrane Science, 326 (2009) 526-532
• See http://www.researcherid.com/rid/A-3798-2011 for a complete list of Dr. Tang’s publications.

• Finland Distinguished Professor (FiDiPro) Program Award (2010)
• International Desalination Association (IDA) Fellowship Award (2010)