LARAMIE, Wyo., Oct. 6 -- The University of Wyoming issued the following news release:

The production of many everyday essentials -- including fuels, chemicals and medicines -- depends on the ability to separate desired products from the mixtures in which they are produced. However, many conventional separation methods are energy-intensive and costly. Membrane-based separation offers a promising alternative that can significantly reduce energy use and cost.

A membrane is a thin, semipermeable barrier, just like Saran Wrap in your kitchen or the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane used in a water purification system, that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through while blocking others. Recent research led by Katie Li-Oakey, a professor in ...