Rahul Sujanani

Rahul Sujanani is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, affiliated with the Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering. He conducts research in the Segalman Lab, focusing on advanced membrane materials for sustainable separations.

His academic foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin (2022)
• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2016)

Dr. Sujanani's research centers on hydration physics in polymer membranes, specifically investigating how water content governs ion and solute transport mechanisms. His work bridges fundamental polymer physics with practical membrane design for water treatment, energy applications, and environmental sustainability. Key themes include the transition between dry and hydrated states in polymers, pressure-induced diffusion phenomena, and molecular engineering of selective transport pathways. This interdisciplinary approach integrates materials synthesis, transport characterization, and computational modeling to address critical challenges in separation science.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals consistent focus on hydration-dependent transport in ion-containing polymers. Dominant trends include quantification of water concentration gradients, elucidation of ion pairing effects, and development of structure-property relationships for membrane selectivity. His work spans fundamental electrochemistry (Donnan potential, ion association) to applied engineering (3D-printed hydrogel devices, sustainable polymer design), demonstrating strong alignment with global priorities in water-energy nexus technologies.

Within the Segalman Lab, Dr. Sujanani contributes to research on bio-inspired materials and polymer upcycling, particularly in the 'Membranes and Water Interactions' initiative. The lab's collaborative environment enables cross-cutting work on conjugated polymers, mixed conducting systems, and polymeric ionic liquids, positioning his membrane transport studies within broader materials innovation efforts for sustainability.