Gandhinagar - Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, in collaboration with CSIR–Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), and the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, have engineered a new class of nanoscale crystalline membranes that can transform industrial separation processes.

The research published in the Journal of American Chemical Society (JACS), introduces ultra-selective memberanes with one-anometer-sized pores that act like high-tech molecular sieves. The membrane can precisely separate molecules that differ by as little as 100-200 Daltons, a level of accuracy that is difficult to achieve using conventional polymer membranes.

The new membranes called "POMbranes", are made using polyoxometalate (POM) clusters that naturally contain perfectly sized, stable nanopores. The researchers designed the membranes to self assemble into large defect-free sheets , allowing for scalable industrial use while maintaining long term stability and performance. 

The technology can help recycle textile wastewater and improve the cooking drug purification. While reducing energy use. It supports india's decarbonisation goals by replacing energy-intensive processes and is expected to promote cleaner, more sustainable industrial practices.

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