Filtering seawater inspired by nature

In the past decade, researchers have developed membranes that use artificial structures to mimic proteins that channel water in and out of cells for freshwater production.

Led by NTU's Professor Wang Rong, Executive Director of NEWRI Ecosystem and former Chair of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the research team has discovered a method to enhance the salt removal efficiency of these desalination membranes.

Traditionally, these membranes feature artificial water channels embedded within biomolecular structures. However, the NTU scientists have directly integrated the water channels into the membrane material itself.

As a result, their new membranes allow 28% more seawater to flow through in the same timeframe compared to commercial options, while still effectively removing the same high levels (99.5%) of salt.

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