South Korea has launched a public–private coalition to strengthen its seawater desalination industry and expand participation in global projects as climate change intensifies water scarcity worldwide. Led by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, the initiative brings together about 30 members from government, industry, academia, and research institutions, including companies such as Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Doosan Enerbility, GS Engineering & Construction, Synopex, and Hyosung Goodsprings.
The collaboration aims to promote technology development, overseas market expansion, and regulatory improvements. A key domestic project supporting this effort is the Daesan coastal desalination plant, which will produce 100,000 tonnes of freshwater per day and serve as an operational model for Korean firms competing in international tenders.
Globally, desalination is becoming increasingly important as freshwater shortages grow. Reverse osmosis (RO) technology now dominates the sector, accounting for 87.3% of the global desalination market in 2024, largely due to its significantly lower energy consumption compared with traditional thermal methods. The global desalination market, valued at US$21.7 billion in 2024, is projected to exceed US$58 billion by 2033, driven by rising demand in water-scarce regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Author:  Taejun Kang

Tiny bubbles can create serious challenges in many industrial systems. They block filters, interfere with chemical reactions, slow down production in biomanufacturing, and may even lead to overheating in sensitive technologies such as electronics and nuclear power facilities. Because of these effects, controlling or removing bubbles has become an important challenge across several industries.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have recently made progress in understanding how special bubble-attracting membranes can remove gas bubbles quickly and efficiently. The study, led by Professor Kripa Varanasi together with doctoral researcher Bert Vandereydt and former postdoctoral researcher Saurabh Nath, investigated membranes described as aerophilic, meaning they naturally attract air or gas. These materials are designed to allow gas to escape rapidly from liquids, preventing bubbles from accumulating and disrupting industrial processes.
The researchers focused on understanding how the structure of these membranes affects the speed at which bubbles are removed. Gas generally passes through porous materials more easily than liquids, but it still encounters limits that depend on factors such as the viscosity of both the gas and the surrounding liquid. By identifying these limits, the team was able to establish principles that engineers can use to design membranes capable of removing bubbles as efficiently as possible. Their findings were summarized in a simple design map that allows engineers to evaluate the properties of their systems and determine the most suitable membrane configuration. When applied in a bioreactor commonly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, cosmetics, and chemical manufacturing, the approach accelerated bubble removal by up to one thousand times.
Current industrial methods for managing bubbles include mechanical foam breakers, chemical antifoaming agents, and even ultrasound. However, these solutions can cause problems in environments where conditions must remain carefully controlled. Chemical additives may harm biological cells in bioreactors, while mechanical agitation can damage sensitive materials. Because of these limitations, bubbles continue to restrict efficiency in many advanced manufacturing processes.
To better understand how aerophilic membranes interact with bubbles, the researchers fabricated microscopic porous silicon membranes with pore sizes ranging from 10 to 200 microns. These membranes were coated with hydrophobic silica nanoparticles to repel water. The team then released individual bubbles with different gas viscosities into liquids and observed their interactions with the membranes using high-speed imaging. By simplifying the system and examining individual bubbles, the researchers could more clearly identify the mechanisms responsible for bubble removal.
Initial experiments showed that bubbles disappeared faster as the membrane pores became larger. When the gas inside the bubbles was changed from air to hydrogen, which has lower viscosity, the bubbles were removed roughly twice as quickly. However, increasing the pore size eventually stopped improving performance after bubble removal speeds increased about a thousandfold. At that point, another physical limitation was reached.
Further experiments revealed that the viscosity of the surrounding liquid only significantly affected bubble removal when the liquid was extremely thick—about two hundred times more viscous than water. The researchers found that the main factor slowing the process in many situations was the inertia of the liquid itself. Ultimately, the team identified three different physical mechanisms that determine how quickly bubbles can be evacuated: resistance related to the viscosity of the gas, resistance caused by the viscosity of the liquid, and inertial effects within the liquid.
To confirm their findings, the researchers tested the membranes in a working bioreactor and used the results to develop a practical chart that engineers can apply to real systems. By entering key characteristics such as gas viscosity and liquid properties, users can determine both the optimal membrane design and the factor most responsible for limiting bubble removal in their system.
Beyond its industrial applications, the research also contributes to a deeper understanding of the physics governing bubble dynamics. The study shows that bubble removal speed is controlled by a combination of surface tension, inertia, and viscosity, and that different conditions cause systems to shift between these limiting mechanisms. These insights make it possible to predict and optimize bubble behavior in a wide range of technological environments.
Interest in the technology has already emerged from sectors such as healthcare, chemical manufacturing, and brewing. The research team intends to further develop the membranes for commercial use, highlighting that their design can sometimes remove bubbles even faster than what occurs naturally at a liquid–gas interface. In addition to industrial uses, the design principles could help model natural fluid systems or inspire membranes capable of separating liquids, such as removing oil from water or improving hydrogen extraction in water-splitting technologies.
Although bubbles may appear insignificant, they often determine the efficiency limits of many advanced systems. By clarifying the physical principles governing bubble removal and translating them into practical design guidelines, this research offers a pathway to significantly improving the performance of technologies across multiple industries.
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Researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a facility of the US Department of Energy, have developed a novel energy storage membrane that offers a safer and more efficient pathway for electrical charge transport. The study advances fundamental understanding of how functional groups influence the mechanical robustness and electrochemical performance of highly charged polyelectrolyte membranes, which are critical components for regulating ion movement in energy storage devices. By addressing longstanding limitations such as flammability, mechanical failure, and short operational lifetimes, the work provides a promising foundation for next-generation energy storage technologies.

The newly developed system employs a layered architecture in which ionogels, hybrid materials with both liquid-like ionic conductivity and solid-like structural integrity, are sandwiched between ultrathin, flexible polymer sheets. This layer-by-layer design achieves an effective balance between high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, enabling the membrane to function simultaneously as both electrolyte and separator. Unlike conventional liquid-electrolyte systems, the pseudosolid polyelectrolyte membranes eliminate the need for flammable liquid electrolytes while maintaining efficient ion transport at room temperature.

A key advantage of the design is its ability to suppress lithium dendrite formation, a major safety concern in lithium-metal energy storage systems. The mechanically reinforced membranes resist puncture and withstand internal stresses caused by gas evolution during overcharging, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits and thermal runaway. The laboratory testing demonstrated stable and efficient performance over hundreds of charge–discharge cycles under conditions that typically degrade conventional systems, highlighting the membrane’s durability and long-term cycling capability.

The research holds significant potential for applications ranging from consumer electronics and portable medical devices to aerospace systems, while also supporting national priorities in energy innovation and advanced manufacturing. Looking ahead, the team aims to scale up membrane production using robotic automation through ORNL’s Autonomous Chemistry Lab, enabling rapid and reproducible fabrication of multilayer membranes for commercial energy storage devices.​
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Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Image credit: Pixabay

A research team at Cornell University has developed a reusable cyclodextrin-based nanofiber membrane capable of removing triclosan and other micropollutants from water with exceptionally high efficiency. In laboratory tests, the self-supporting polycyclodextrin membrane, produced through electrospinning to generate ultrafine fibers with very high surface area, achieved nearly 90% removal of triclosan, reaching 75% removal within the first 15 minutes and approaching saturation after six hours. Its performance was not limited to a single contaminant; the membrane also effectively captured ciprofloxacin and oxybenzone, demonstrating robustness across pharmaceuticals and personal-care pollutants. Importantly, the material maintained consistent adsorption efficiency in real-world water samples, including streams, groundwater, and wastewater effluents, confirming its applicability beyond controlled laboratory conditions.
A major advantage of the membrane lies in its sustainability and ease of reuse. Unlike powdered adsorbents that require high-energy regeneration processes, this fibrous material can be restored simply by washing and reused without significant performance loss. Its biodegradable, corn starch-derived polymer composition also presents a greener alternative to traditional adsorbents such as activated carbon. Advanced characterization using rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy further validated pollutant capture mechanisms and structural integrity. Current research efforts are expanding this platform toward membranes engineered to target a broader range of contaminants, including textile dyes, volatile organic compounds, and persistent PFAS chemicals, positioning this technology as a promising next-generation solution for water purification.
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The Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) has pioneered a major advancement in circular materials through its Looping Nylon Technique, which transforms discarded fishing nets into high performance, medical-grade nylon membranes. This technology, recognized at the 2025 R&D 100 Awards, directly tackles the environmental challenge posed by Taiwan’s large volume of fishing net waste, estimated at over 2,300 tons annually, and the difficulty of recycling due to severe contamination and mixed-material composition. TTRI’s patented ultrasonic purification process significantly improves recyclability by eliminating embedded pollutants and restoring nylon fiber purity to 98%, while reducing water usage by 90%. The regenerated nylon is further modified to enhance elasticity, durability, and moisture permeability, enabling the production of ultra-thin membranes with strong waterproofing, abrasion resistance, and inherent antimicrobial properties.
To meet the stringent standards of medical applications, TTRI worked with Carilex Medical to develop an innovative dual-layer co-extrusion and thermal lamination method that creates a mono-material membrane system without solvent-based adhesives. This design not only supports up to 20 recycling loops but also reduces carbon emissions by more than 70% compared with traditional processes. The resulting membranes are lightweight, airtight, and mechanically robust, offering reliable performance for smart medical air-pressure mattresses and promising value in additional high-demand sectors such as aerospace, emergency equipment, military protection, and advanced outdoor textiles.
With multiple Taiwanese manufacturers already adopting the technology, the Looping Nylon Technique is accelerating industrial sustainability and reducing carbon footprints as recycled nylon emits just 0.599 kg CO₂ per kilogram compared to 7.44 kg CO₂ for virgin nylon. This achievement highlights Taiwan’s growing leadership in green manufacturing and strengthens its position within global supply chains for recyclable, high-performance materials, supporting worldwide circular economy and carbon reduction goals.

                                          Industrial wastewater-Image credit: deposit photo

The rise and fall of the Oklahoma town of Picher illustrates the long-term dangers of industrial pollution. Once a booming mining center that supplied much of the lead and zinc used in the First World War, the town was eventually abandoned after contaminated water from thousands of derelict mine shafts caused severe lead poisoning. Its fate underscores the need for safe and effective wastewater treatment, an area that continues to evolve as new risks emerge.
A major concern today is the reliance on filtration membranes made with PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because they resist environmental breakdown and may pose risks to ecosystems and human health. PVDF, the most widely used membrane material, is a PFAS, and growing regulatory pressure in the US and Europe is driving the search for safer alternatives. Researchers at the University of Bath, led by Olawumi Sadare, are developing a biodegradable, plant-based membrane made from lignin and cellulose. These polymers form a thin charged film on a PES support, enabling the selective removal of both positively and negatively charged pollutants. Early tests show strong performance, with the membrane removing more than 90% of two common dye pollutants. Its hydrophilic nature also helps draw water through while repelling contaminants.
Wastewater challenges vary widely by industry. Mining and manufacturing produce some of the most hazardous effluents, while pharmaceuticals and cosmetics contribute disproportionately to micropollutants in rivers and treatment plant outflow. A USGS study of wastewater from pharmaceutical facilities revealed drug concentrations far higher than in typical treatment plants and confirmed that these contaminants can persist many kilometers downstream. Because most pharmaceutical residues enter waterways through residential wastewater, treatment plants are the critical point of control.
To address this, the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors are facing new regulatory demands, including an EU directive requiring producers to cover most of the cost of micropollutant removal. Two treatment approaches dominate: activated carbon and ozonation. Activated carbon can be added as a powder during treatment or applied as a granular medium afterward, while ozonation uses ozone to break down pollutants. Dutch engineering firm Royal HaskoningDHV has created a system called Aurea that combines biological activated carbon filtration with ozonation. By removing many contaminants before the ozonation stage, this combined method boosts efficiency, cuts energy use by up to three-quarters, and extends the life of the activated carbon.
Both the Aurea system and the University of Bath’s plant-based membrane are still progressing through development, testing, and scale-up. Their creators are working with industrial partners and refining performance, reflecting a broader push toward safer, more sustainable technologies in wastewater treatment.

 











Conventional Membrane vs Elevation membrane with Zwittershield (Source: Zwitterco)

​Organic fouling remains one of the most persistent challenges for industries that rely on reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, driving up maintenance demands, chemical consumption, and costly downtime. ZwitterCo’s newly launched Elevation product line offers a decisive answer to these issues by embedding patented ZwitterShield™ technology directly into the membrane surface. This permanently bonded zwitterionic chemistry creates an exceptionally hydrophilic barrier that repels proteins, oils, and other organic foulants, preventing irreversible fouling even in harsh feed conditions and dramatically improving operational efficiency.
Elevation membranes enable users to switch from expensive proprietary cleaning agents to inexpensive commodity chemicals, cutting per-element cleaning costs from roughly $20–$45 to just $1–$5 and reducing annual chemical expenditures by as much as 75 %. Longer intervals between cleanings (up to 80 % fewer cycles than conventional membranes) further lower operating expenses and minimize downtime. When cleanings are required, they are faster and simpler, restoring full performance quickly and freeing staff for higher-value tasks.
Also, Elevation membranes tolerate feedwater with up to 15 mg/L total organic carbon, 50 mg/L chemical oxygen demand, and 2.5 mg/L oil and grease, maintaining stable operation where standard membranes fail. Their reliability has been proven across sectors ranging from food and beverage processing to chemical refining, heavy industry, and landfill leachate treatment. In one U.S. power plant, deployment of Elevation elements sharply reduced cleaning frequency and membrane replacements while maintaining consistent output during upstream upsets, and similar results have been reported in sugar refineries and landfill operations.
Moreover, Elevation membranes are manufactured in industry-standard sizes and configurations, allowing direct replacement or system upgrades without redesign. By combining durability, easy implementation, and exceptional resistance to organic fouling, ZwitterCo’s Elevation family delivers a step change in RO performance, enabling industries worldwide to cut costs, boost uptime, and meet ambitious sustainability targets.
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