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The University of ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ, in a joint consortium with 3B Hungária Ltd., has successfully secured funding under the Hungarian–Turkish Applied Research and Development Cooperation Programme announced by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund. The project, identified by grant number 2024-1.2.11-TÉT-IPARI-TR-2025-00013, has received HUF 70 million in non-refundable funding.

The University of ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ and its Hungarian–Turkish partners are developing a new generation of ultra-fine filter layers (nanofibrous membranes) capable of removing contaminants from water and gases more efficiently than ever before. A key objective of the project is to provide solutions for microplastic removal and the capture of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. The project commenced on 1 January 2026 and is expected to run until the end of 2027.

The primary goal of the project is the design of high-performance, cost-effective nanofibrous membranes with favorable properties suitable for a wide range of applications. Within the project, GMZ Enerji is responsible for developing nanofibers optimized for the removal of specific target pollutants. The performance evaluation of the developed nanofibers in water purification is carried out by EskiÅŸehir Technical University, while gas purification and COâ‚‚ separation studies are conducted by the University of ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ. Based on data provided by the University of ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ, 3B Hungária Ltd. is manufacturing a laboratory-scale gas purification and COâ‚‚ reduction unit.

During project implementation, novel nanofibers are produced using the electrospinning (electrostatic fiber formation) technique, followed by investigations into their functionalization and application potential. The developed approach enables the production of high-performance, durable, and cost-effective nanofibrous membranes. A further objective is the advancement of manufacturing and application technologies with a focus on improved technical and economic feasibility. Critical parameters contributing to optimal production conditions are also examined.

The project strongly leverages the synergies between the competencies and infrastructures of the Turkish and Hungarian partners. The experience and infrastructure of the Turkish industrial partner enable the production of nanofibers with more uniform fiber diameters and minimal material loss. In addition, the integrated mixing system allows for the fabrication of mixed-matrix membranes, providing a strong basis for expanding product versatility and application areas. The Hungarian industrial partner brings extensive expertise in waste recycling, high-temperature processes, and the development of scaled-up equipment.

The Turkish and Hungarian university infrastructures and professional networks are essential to the successful development of application technologies. Throughout the project, optimal manufacturing parameters necessary to achieve the highest membrane performance are identified. The results significantly contribute to a deeper understanding of how various factors and their interactions affect membrane quality and functionality, as well as to more economically viable application conditions. Opportunities are also provided for prototype production of nanofibers and for testing membranes optimized for industrial operating conditions during pilot-scale experiments.

Nanofibrous materials developed within the Turkish–Hungarian collaboration are primarily intended for applications in gas purification, CO₂ capture, and water treatment. To achieve improved properties and performance, the potential for fiber functionalization and its impact on application-specific characteristics are also investigated. In the field of gas purification, the project focuses on reducing contaminants and CO₂ content in hydrogen-rich gas mixtures generated through waste-based processes. This approach not only enhances the value of gas mixtures but also optimizes their further utilization. This is particularly important because, during high-temperature chemical recycling of waste, product composition and emissions often limit further increases in technology readiness levels (TRL). In water treatment applications, the project also aims to examine the reduction of microplastics alongside conventional pollutants.