Membrane Technology Breakthrough: German Researchers Developing Advanced Water Filters
Membrane technology is advancing rapidly, thanks to the efforts of researchers at the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany. Spearheaded by Professor Andrea Iris Schäfer, the team is making significant progress in developing materials with tiny pores to create highly effective water filters.
The team’s focus has been on vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VaCNT) membranes, which have pore sizes ranging from 1.7 to 3.3 nanometers in diameter. These membranes are designed with nearly perfect cylindrical shapes and minimal torsion. By fine-tuning the filters, the researchers aim to enhance their ability to adsorb substances while maintaining low friction.
One particular area of investigation for the IAMT team is the filtration of steroid micropollutants. These contaminants pose a significant risk to water sources and are challenging to remove using conventional filtration methods. The VaCNT membranes, produced by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), have been shown to have low adsorption rates while still maintaining high selectivity for specific substances. This is due to the unique interplay of hydrodynamic forces and friction at the liquid-wall interface, making them highly permeable to water.
The development of these precise membrane designs has been a collaborative effort between researchers at LLNL and IAMT. Lead researcher Dr. Francesco Fornasiero and his team at LLNL have worked alongside the IAMT team to create membranes that can maintain integrity over larger surface areas, crucial for practical applications. This collaboration has resulted in small-scale filtration systems that effectively retain trace pollutants, bringing a significant advancement in water filtration technology.
This groundbreaking study provides insight into the underlying principles of steroid hormone micropollutant adsorption in membrane nanopores, paving the way for improved ultra- and nanofiltration processes.
KIT, as part of the prestigious Helmholtz Association, is dedicated to addressing global challenges in energy, mobility, and information through a multidisciplinary approach. The university’s mission is to contribute to societal well-being, economic prosperity, and the conservation of natural resources. With its excellence in research and innovation, KIT is at the forefront of groundbreaking scientific advancements.
Analyst comment
Positive news. The development of advanced water filters using membrane technology shows promise in addressing water pollution challenges. These precise membrane designs have the potential to significantly advance water filtration technology, leading to improved ultra- and nanofiltration processes. This breakthrough could have a positive impact on the market for water filtration systems and related industries.
