Schematic of the process of using the new wood membrane to distill water. Credit: T. Li, University of Maryland.

Inspired by the intricate system of water circulating in a tree, a team of researchers led by Princeton University, have figured out how to use a thin slice of wood as a membrane through which water vapor can evaporate, leaving behind salt or other contaminants.

Most membranes that are used to distill from salty are made of polymers, which are derived from fossil fuels and are also difficult to recycle. The wood membrane is a more sustainable material, and according to the researchers, has very high porosity, which promotes transport and prevents heat loss.

In a paper published Aug. 2 in the journal Science Advances, the researchers demonstrate that the new membrane they designed performs 20% better than commercial membranes in water distillation tests.

This video demonstrates how the wood membrane is hydrophobic (repels water). Credit: D. Hou at University of Colorado Boulder

  • Cross section of nano wood membrane used for water filtration. Credit: D. Hou, University of Colorado.

  • A white wood material used for membrane manufacturing. Credit: S.He and T.Li at University of Maryland College Park

More information: D. Hou el al., "Hydrophobic nanostructured wood membrane for thermally efficient distillation," Science Advances (2019). advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/8/eaaw3203

Journal information: Science Advances

Provided by Princeton University