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Nanostructured Fibrous Membranes for Efficient Membrane Distillation
Nano-fibrous mats with tunable pore sizes and interconnected pores for integrated liquid and vapor phase membrane transition
Source: Eli?ka Motisová, unsplash.com/photos/kMJiHSIGXeM, Unsplash Licence

Background

Membrane distillation is a separation process in which separation occurs due to phase change across a barrier formed by hydrophobic membrane for liquid phase, allowing the vapor phase to pass through the pores.

Technology

Implementation of this process includes asymmetric wettability in order to induce directional liquid transfer through the membrane, after the completion of liquid phase transition. The use of nano-fibrous mats instead of conventional separation membranes, with tunable pore sizes, interconnected pores and high porosity, achieves a high throughput. The current proposal intends to integrate liquid transition across barrier layers used in separation membranes, with advantages including concepts for application to membrane distillation.

Advantages

The use of super-hydrophobic surfaces create an environment favorable for vapor liquid and liquid phase transition with reduced energy requirements.

Inventors

Benjamin Chu, Distinguished Professor, Chemistry
Benjamin Hsiao, Distinguished Professor, Chemistry

Licensing Potential

Development partner - Commercial partner - Licensing

Licensing Status

Available for license. Stony Brook is seeking to develop and commercialize, by an exclusive or non-exclusive license agreement and/or sponsored research, with a company active in the area.

Licensing Contact

Donna Tumminello, Assistant Director, Intellectual Property Partners, donna.tumminello@stonybrook.edu, 6316324163

Tech Id

8571