Membrane Distillation for Desalination

The invention relates to the design of a robust membrane for desalination using membrane distillation (MD). Although MD technology has advanced over the years, its industrial application for the treatment of brackish water and seawater is still lagging.  This invention exhibits advantages over the well-known pressure-driven membrane processes as desalination is achieved by operating at low temperature, low pressure, and less membrane fouling.  This membrane is designed with a unique structural morphology with high hydrophobicity and porosity that allows the membranes to achieve up to 80% water recovery. The membranes are resistant to fouling, therefore, ensuring long-term operation without significant performance deterioration and as a result, reducing the cost associated with the replacement of membranes.

While measures such as water conservation, repairing of infrastructure, and catchment and distribution processes have been put in place to address water shortages, existing water sources seem to present a viable long-term solution as they can increase the sources from which water can be obtained. This has therefore presented a wide range of solutions in the treatment of seawater. Desalination processes provide an opportunity to produce large quantities of clean water.