Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have introduced a groundbreaking method that significantly improves the speed and efficiency of membrane production, offering promising solutions for global water purification challenges. By leveraging microwave technology, the team has developed a rapid approach to synthesize and fine-tune a new type of membrane that effectively purifies water from a wide range of contaminants. This innovative technique, which takes just minutes, represents one of the fastest methods for creating covalent organic framework (COF) membranes.

These COF membranes function as advanced filters, capable of removing specific contaminants from polluted water, thereby enabling its reuse across various applications—a crucial development as efficient wastewater treatment becomes increasingly vital in a world facing water scarcity.

The newly developed dual-faced membrane is distinguished by its unique superhydrophilic and near-hydrophobic surfaces, which enhance its ability to filter out contaminants such as oils and dyes. This dual functionality not only improves the filtration process but also endows the membranes with strong antibacterial properties, ensuring long-term usability and effectiveness.

The research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, is titled “Tunable Wettability of a Dual-Faced COF Membrane for Enhanced Water Filtration.” Led by Professor Ali Trabolsi, along with researchers Farah Benyettou and Asmaa Jrad, the study details a one-step microwave-mediated synthesis method that takes place at the liquid-water vapor interface. This approach allows precise control over the membrane’s properties without requiring further modifications.

“By adjusting the reaction time, we can customize the membrane’s thickness and its hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics,” Benyettou explained. “This capability enables us to tailor the membrane specifically for different types of water pollutants, greatly enhancing both the efficiency and speed of water purification,” added Jrad.

The COF membranes developed by the NYUAD team demonstrate exceptional performance in removing oil from oil-in-water mixtures, thanks to their multilayered structure and consistent porosity. Additionally, these membranes surpass traditional polymeric ones in resisting organic fouling, a common issue in membrane-based water filtration systems.

“This technology represents a major advancement in the synthesis of high-quality, crystalline, free-standing COF membranes,” Trabolsi remarked. “Our method not only simplifies the production process but also enhances the separation capabilities of the membranes, offering a promising solution to critical water purification challenges worldwide.”

By Impact Lab