A team of researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, led by PhD scholar Yuxi Ma and senior researcher Professor Weiwei Lei, has developed a novel class of ultra-thin hybrid filters. These filters combine boron nitride a stable compound material with aramid nanofibers to create a flexible yet robust filtration system.
Ma, Y., You, Y., Wang, L., Yang, G., Qin, S., Su, Y., Singh, M., Lu, J., Liu, D., & Lei, W. (2025). ANF/BN thin-film composite membranes for efficient organic solvent nanofiltration. Journal of Membrane Science, 735, 124540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2025.124540
Boron nitride is known for its chemical stability and thermal resistance, making it a promising material for filtration applications. However, its natural hydrophobicity posed challenges in integrating it with other materials. To overcome this, the team modified the surface properties of boron nitride to make it more hydrophilic, allowing for better interaction with aramid nanofibers. This modification enabled the creation of a stable composite membrane that maintains its integrity under high-pressure conditions.
Professor Weiwei Lei from RMIT University in Melbourne stated,
“Improving filtration efficiency isn’t just about saving time it’s about cutting waste and enabling circular manufacturing. With further development, we see strong potential for these filters to help industries transition to more sustainable processes.”
The hybrid membranes demonstrated effective filtration of common solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and acetone. They maintained stability under pressures up to 10 bar approximately ten times the pressure in a car tire and continued to perform consistently during 24 hours of continuous use. By adjusting the thickness of the active layer, the researchers could control the selectivity of the filter, achieving up to 96% rejection of larger dye molecules
This advancement has significant implications for industries that rely on solvent-based processes, such as pharmaceuticals and dye production. The ability to efficiently separate valuable chemicals from liquid mixtures can lead to reduced waste, energy savings, and lower operational costs.
While the filters performed well under mild conditions, the team observed that highly alkaline en
vironments reduced performance, and certain harsh solvents caused gradual swelling. To address these issues, they are refining the chemistry of the membranes to enhance durability. The next step involves scaling up production and testing the technology in real-world chemical recycling and purification systems.
Professor Lei emphasized the potential of this technology to enable circular manufacturing processes. “Improving filtration efficiency isn’t just about saving time it’s about cutting waste and enabling circular manufacturing,” he said. “With further development, we see strong potential for these filters to help industries transition to more sustainable processes.”
The development of these ultra-thin boron nitride hybrid filters represents a significant step forward in filtration technology. By combining the unique properties of boron nitride with the strength of aramid nanofibers, the team has created a membrane that is both efficient and durable. As industries continue to seek more sustainable and cost-effective solutions, innovations like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of chemical manufacturing and recycling.
Adrian graduated with a Masters Degree (1st Class Honours) in Chemical Engineering from Chester University along with Harris. His master’s research aimed to develop a standardadised clean water oxygenation transfer procedure to test bubble diffusers that are currently used in the wastewater industry commercial market. He has also undergone placments in both US and China primarely focused within the R&D department and is an associate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).
