Advanced Membranes for Sustainable Energy and Carbon Management

While membrane technologies are recognized as essential for a sustainable future, maximizing their performance for industrial-scale clean energy and carbon management remains a complex challenge. Current systems face three critical bottlenecks: (1) the trade-off between ionic conductivity and gas crossover in electrolysis; (2) the chemical degradation of polymers under extreme pH and organic solvent environments; and (3) the high energy penalty associated with conventional carbon capture. In this presentation, I will discuss how we address these gaps through multidisciplinary membrane engineering. I will introduce nanostructure-engineered electrolytes and ether-free anion exchange membranes that redefine durability in water electrolysis. I will also showcase laser-induced graphene-based nanofiltration and high-selectivity gas separation membranes as key solutions for carbon management and resource recovery. I will conclude by sharing my vision for a "Membrane-Integrated Circular Economy," where these advanced materials serve as the core infrastructure for carbon-neutral industrial ecosystems.