TÜBİTAK COST Support for GTU Academic’s Eco-Friendly Membrane Project

February 12, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations

The eco-friendly project led by the Department of Environmental Engineering at Gebze Technical University (GTU), focusing on PFAS removal, is awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 2515 – COST Action Members R&D Support Program.

GTU continues to expand its pioneering research in sustainable environmental technologies and the circular economy. The project led by Assoc. Prof. Bahar Özbey-Ünal from the Department of Environmental Engineering has been officially accepted within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 2515 – COST Action Members R&D Support Program.

A Strategic Response to PFAS Contamination

Titled “Removal of PFAS From Surface Waters and Clean Water Production via Next-Generation Photothermal–Photocatalytic Membrane Distillation (MD) Membranes,” the project addresses PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution, a major global threat to drinking water safety. Known as “forever chemicals” due to their extreme chemical stability and resistance to degradation in nature, PFAS compounds require innovative treatment technologies. The project aims to develop an advanced and sustainable solution for their removal.

Green Polymer and Solar Energy Integration

Unlike conventional treatment systems, the project will utilize green polymer-based membranes produced with environmentally friendly solvents. These membranes will be integrated into a solar-assisted membrane distillation system, maximizing energy efficiency while ensuring low-cost and safe water recovery. This innovative approach is fully aligned with the circular economy vision of COST CA23104 – Water4Reuse.

International and Inter-Institutional Collaboration

Designed within the framework of GTU’s Research University culture, the project brings together a strong academic team. Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Balçık from GTU’s Department of Environmental Engineering and Okan Karataş, PhD, from Bursa Technical University contribute as researchers. Prof. Shushan Yuan from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Murat İşler from MAXEFF Technology will serve as advisors.

This strategic research initiative will contribute to improving surface water quality and advancing sustainable water management goals, further reinforcing GTU’s mission to develop solutions to global environmental challenges.