Even with the unprecedented technological advancements, one-third of the global population (2 billion) still suffers from severe water scarcity, which is surprising because water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface. Water is in fact abundant, but unfortunately drinkable clean water is scarce. Membrane technology is by far the most sustainable process to produce clean water from all available sources including seawater (97% of all water resources), groundwater, and wastewater.

 

The STEM Lab aims to fabricate high performance membranes using next-generation materials to improve the overall sustainability of water purification. We are also developing innovative processes that can break the Water-Energy Nexus and produce clean water using renewable energy sources.