Over 99.99% of oil removed from seawater with higher evaporation rate using new membrane

A Pusan National University team developed a dual-function membrane that removes oil and supports solar-driven desalination at the same time.

The Janus hydrogel design pairs a hydrophilic chitosan-PVA layer with a hydrophobic copper oxide nanocomposite layer to handle oil-contaminated seawater.

In tests, the membrane removed more than 99.99% of oil and achieved a water evaporation rate about three times higher than conventional single-layer membranes.

The approach could make solar desalination more practical by reducing energy use, treatment steps, and secondary waste.