Study shows how 3D printing can enhance membrane technology

Advanced membrane capabilities could be made possible through new developments in 3D printing technology, according to a new study.

The University of Bath research assessed the properties of different 3D printing techniques available to facilitate the fabrication of membranes, semi-permeable selective barriers that separate molecules in a mixture into two streams.

Membranes are currently restricted mainly to tubular/hollow fibre and flat surface configurations, but 3D printing techniques offers novel preparation techniques that can produce membranes of different shapes, types and designs.

This would allow new membranes with designer pores and surface shapes to be created that enhance micro-mixing and shear flow across surfaces, thereby reducing the energy and downtime associated with cleaning blockages and fouling.

Dr Darrell Patterson, director of the Centre for Advanced Separations Engineering at the University of Bath, said the work "signals what the future possibilities are with 3D printing, to produce membranes beyond that which are currently available, including controlled complex pore structures, integrated surface patterns and membranes based on nature".

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