The polymer-based membrane is designed to efficiently convert seawater and highly concentrated brines into freshwater at ambient temperature and pressure. Now undergoing pilot-scale evaluation at KAUST’s campus in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, the technology represents a step beyond laboratory demonstrations and toward real-world deployment.

The KAUST technology uses ultra-thin films with subnanometer-sized pores that allow water vapor to pass while blocking salt and contaminants such as boron. Tests show the membrane achieves around 99% salt rejection and 100% boron rejection, even when treating brines that are typically difficult and costly to process.

Performance data indicate that one square meter of membrane can produce around 40 liters of freshwater per hour from seawater at room temperature, consuming just 1.88 kilowatt-hours per 1,000 liters of water produced. When operated at 60°C, production increases to 238 liters per hour, opening opportunities to integrate the system with industrial waste heat streams.

“Water and energy are inseparable issues, and our technology addresses both,” said Professor Noreddine Ghaffour, a specialist in desalination and water treatment at KAUST. “We have shown that it is possible to desalinate not only seawater but even highly concentrated brines, using far less energy than traditional approaches.”

Beyond freshwater production, the membrane could help manage wastewater from desalination plants and oil and gas operations, reducing environmental impacts. Pilot testing at KAUST is continuing, with industrial partners already exploring potential deployment pathways.