A new desalination process, which promises to be faster, better and cheaper than conventional methods, has been developed by a professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, in the United States. According to Somenath Mitra, chairman of the department of chemistry and environmental science, “Unfortunately the current membrane distillation method is too expensive for use in countries and municipalities that need potable water. Generally only industry, where waste heat is freely available, uses this process. However, we’re hoping our new work will have far-reaching consequences bringing good, clean water to the people who need it.” The new method creates a unique architecture for the membrane distillation process by immobilizing carbon nanotubes in the membrane pores. This novel architecture increases vapor permeation, but also prevents liquid water from clogging the membrane pores. Tests showed dramatic increases in both reductions in salt and water production. The process also can facilitate membrane distillation at a relatively lower temperature and with a higher flow rate and salt concentration. “Together these benefits lead to a greener process which could make membrane distillation economically competitive with existing desalination technologies and we hope could provide potable water where it is most needed,” said Mitra. The article can be viewed online at the link below.