Scientists unveil new ion membrane that reduces salt in water by 50%

Scientists from an international team, including Germany’s Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, have developed a novel ion pump membrane that can reduce salt content in water by up to 50% using ultra-thin metal layers on either side of a porous membrane. Unlike traditional desalination methods that rely on energy-intensive chemical reactions or mechanical pumps, this system uses rapid electrical switching at low voltages to create controlled ion flow through a physical ratchet mechanism in nanoporous materials. This innovation enables continuous ion transport without moving parts or chemical additives, significantly lowering energy consumption and system complexity. The membrane was successfully integrated into a compact desalination device and demonstrated effective salt reduction in laboratory tests. Beyond desalination, the technology shows promise for selective ion separation, such as lithium extraction from seawater, heavy metal removal from drinking water, advanced battery recycling, and sensor applications. Supported by major funding agencies like the US National Science Foundation and the European Research Council, this interdisciplinary research highlights a new direction for energy-efficient water purification and