New water-based, recyclable membrane filters all types of nanoparticles

The membranes Prof. Rybtchinski and his group have created may be produced in different ways, with different materials, and they come together in water and contain water as a major component (the membranes are akin to hydrogels). The group's first-generation membranes were made of unique molecules that organize themselves into the membrane material. This property also enables the membrane to be easily recycled, and the particles trapped in the separation process to be reclaimed. The membranes can separate particles based on size, from one to several nanometers.

The second-generation membranes also contain a second self-assembled polymer layer, thus broadening the range of applications for this technology. These new membranes can sustain high pressures and are capable of purifying water from poisonous heavy metals and organic molecules, showing, for the first time, that self-assembled "aqua materials" can be used for demanding industrial application.

Unlike conventional materials, the self-assembled membranes can be easily disassembled; this is critical for fighting membrane fouling, which is the biggest challenge in membrane applications. The membrane fabrication process is simple, and their performance is excellent, making the technology inherently worthwhile -- even before the ability to recycle and reuse them is taken into consideration. The latter is, of course, of enormous importance, as it renders the membranes sustainable. Indeed, the goal of creating sustainable nanomaterials is at the core of the research performed by Prof. Rybtchinski and his group.