Growing Convergence in Membrane Separations Research

Over the past 20 years, there has been a high level of activity and innovation in membrane science and technology with growing understanding at how molecular scale phenomena manifest themselves at the membrane and eventually the system scale. Additionally, critical societal needs in the areas of energy, water, bioprocessing, and the environment are providing exciting new opportunities for membrane technologies. These include the development of new membranes for hydrogen/oxygen, direct methanol and alkaline fuel cells, membrane separations for purification of ethanol produced from cellulosic biomass, and membrane systems for carbon dioxide removal from gas streams. The conference will have specific session on molecules, membranes and membrane systems and their application to contemporary topics dealing with energy production and storage, membrane technologies for energy efficiency, nanomanufacturing and water purification.

The program engages materials scientists, process engineers, data scientists, and membrane technologists such that new ways of examining long-standing challenges can emerge.