NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) researchers have developed new membrane technology that “could enhance water purification systems,” according to a new study published this week.
The approach utilises microwave technology to more easily synthesise and fine-tune a new type of membrane. This technology effectively purifies water from a wide range of contaminants.
The membrane synthesis technique is now one of the fastest methods for creating covalent organic framework (COF) membranes, researchers said, taking just a few minutes.
These membranes act as filters in devices designed to clean polluted water from specific contaminants, which allows its reuse in different applications.
The discovery comes as the world faces the “imminent risk” of a global water crisis.
Indeed, two billion people now lack access to safe drinking water, and 3.6 billion lack access to safety-managed sanitation.
The MENA is facing the brunt of this crisis already, as the most water-scarce region in the world.
Researchers explained that the new type of dual-faced membrane enables efficient removal of contaminants like oils and dyes from water, enhancing the filtration process and endowing the membranes with strong antibacterial properties, which they said is “crucial” for long-term usability and effectiveness.
The process was developed by Farah Benyettou and Asmaa Jrad under the leadership of Ali Trabolsi, Professor of Chemistry and Co-Principal Investigator at the NYUAD Water Research Center.
“By fine-tuning the reaction time, we can adjust the membrane’s thickness and its hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics,” explained Benyettou.
This capability, Jrad explained, allows them to tailor the membrane specifically for various types of water pollutants, “significantly enhancing both the efficiency and speed of water purification.”
According to the researchers, these membranes outperform traditional polymeric ones in resisting organic fouling, which they said is a common challenge in membrane-based water filtration systems.
“Our method not only simplifies the production process but also enhances the separation capabilities of the membranes, offering a promising solution to critical water purification challenges worldwide,” Trabolsi added.