RESEARCH FIELD

Membrane Science

Membrane science develops selective barriers that regulate the transport of molecules, ions, or particles between phases, enabling separations of critical importance to water treatment, gas processing, pharmaceutical purification, energy conversion, and environmental remediation. The field spans polymeric and inorganic membrane materials, membrane module design, transport modelling, and membrane system integration. Reverse osmosis membranes now desalinate more than 100 million cubic metres of water per day globally, supplying drinking water to arid regions. Gas separation membranes separate hydrogen for fuel cells and capture CO2 for carbon storage. Ion-exchange membranes are central to proton exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolysers for green hydrogen production. Novel membrane materials including graphene oxide laminates and metal-organic framework thin films target enhanced permeability-selectivity trade-offs. Membrane bioreactors combine biological wastewater treatment with membrane filtration. Funding comes from water utilities, the energy and chemical industry, desalination R&D programmes, and climate technology investors.