Spotlight on Smart Separations
Surrey Research Park based business, Smart Separations Ltd, has created a new generation of antiviral coatings and ceramic membranes. From manufacturing to air purification and from transportation to health care, Smart Separations works with partners where antiviral coatings or microfiltration is needed.
Smart Separations joined SETsquared Surrey in 2014 and since then have collaborated with academic experts at the University of Surrey in Chemistry, Chemical Process Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Successful collaborations have included: a SME Innovation Voucher project; SPRINT project; studentship; Innovate UK funded collaborative research project; and an Impact Acceleration Account Placement. Smart Separations have also recruited a Surrey graduate.
The SME Innovation Voucher Scheme funds innovative, collaborative projects between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and our world-class academics. Combining Smart Separations microchannel membrane technology and the University of Surrey’s novel catalysts for C02 conversion, the project aimed to enable the effective chemical conversion and separation of C02 to added value products (syngas and methane) in one single step. The SME Innovation Voucher led to further opportunities for collaboration including the successful award of a SPRINT project to develop new catalytic monopropellants for satellite propulsion systems.
“The Innovation Voucher has been a very successful experience. We have strengthened our industrial co-operation while delivering ground-breaking catalytic membranes to combat global warming.” Dr Tomas Ramirez Reina, Head of the Catalysis Unit, Chemical and Process Engineering Department
“We are very pleased with the results of this Innovation Voucher. On the scientific part, we exceeded everyone’s expectations regarding the performance of the Smart Separations membranes and have demonstrated that our membranes can be used for catalysis.” Dr Hugo Macedo, CEO, Smart Separations Ltd
Smart Separations was founded in 2013, starting on a kitchen table, the company has since expanded into world class facilities at the International Iberian Nantechnology Laboratory and at Surrey Research Park. Smart Separations is now a 25+ strong team of researchers, engineers, scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs all driven to improve quality of life through innovation. The Covid-19 pandemic brought a new focus to Smart Separations. The team were able to quickly pivot their attention to applying their expertise to developing solutions aimed at limiting the spread of the virus. A result of those efforts was ViraTeqR, a revolutionary nanocoating technology that destroys SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces. The company is now launching its first, ready to use product which utilises ViraTeqR technology by applying it to self adhesive stickers, a customizable solution for all industries and sectors. The antiviral stickers come in various sizes, are easy to apply, durable, and most importantly, last for long periods of time. They can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metals, plastics, glass and many more, meaning you can make sure that virtually any surface that is frequently touched is protected with an antiviral layer, to help keep your clients, employees and customers safe.