Sub–10 nm polyamide nanofilms with ultrafast solvent transport for molecular separation

TLDR

Composite membranes for filtering solvents have been studied to purify water or capture CO₂, yet many existing processes are energy‑intensive and solvent‑heavy. The study aims to address the need to remove small molecules from organic liquids. The authors grew confined polymer layers on a patterned sacrificial support to produce rippled thin films, which were then mounted on ceramic membranes. The resulting composite membrane exhibited high organic‑solvent flux, good stability, and efficient separation of small molecules. Karan et al.

Abstract

Composite membranes for filtering solvents Much research has focused on finding membranes that can purify water or extract waste carbon dioxide. However, there is also a need for the removal of small molecules from organic liquids. Many existing processes are energy-intensive and can require large quantities of solvents. Karan et al. grew confined polymer layers on a patterned sacrificial support to give rippled thin films that were then placed on ceramic membranes (see the Perspective by Freger). The composite membrane showed high flux for organic solvents and good stability and was able to separate out small molecules with high efficiency. Science , this issue p. 1347 ; see also p. 1317