A More Efficient Way to Turn Saltwater Into Drinking Water
13th December 2019
There are many ways to desalinate water, but one of the most effective is membrane desalination. In this method, water is pushed through a thin membrane with tiny holes. The water flows through the pores, but the salt ions can’t, leaving only fresh water on the other side.
In his latest research, Barati Farimani explores the potential of a new type of membrane, called a metal-organic framework (MOF). “These membranes consist of both the metal center and organic compound,” Barati Farimani says. The organic compound and metal connect in a pentagonal pattern, leaving a hole in the center that serves as a pore. “If you look at them, they are like a honeycomb,” Barati Farimani adds.