Mapping nanoscale inhomogeneity to reveal flow through polymer membranes

Reverse osmosis modules comprised of composite polymermembranes represent a leading technology in desalination and purification of brackish water. Nanoporous polymeric membranes are key for prefiltering of such reverse osmosis systems, as well as for purification of biopharmaceutical products, such as monoclonal antibodies. The field has relied on intricate contro lof membrane properties through systematic perturbations to membrane chemistries and processing, yet many fundamental questions remain on the mechanisms that govern water transport and separations.

Speaker: Professor Enrique Gomez, UC Berkeley