Separation technology to be used in sustainable energy solutions

Separation procedures will be utilised by one organisation to explore potential renewable energy solutions in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

According to the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, the European Inorganic Membrane Research Alliance (EIMRA) will be exploring new methods of implementing membrane technology.

Inorganic membranes can be useful in a range of separation processes in the chemical industry, the organisation noted, with hydrogen and liquid fuel production from sustainable sources listed as two.

Similarly, these procedures can be used in carbon capture technologies for energy plants that rely on fossil fuels.

"The relatively low energy consumption of membrane technology renders it a key component in a clean, green and sustainable energy system," it said.

Dr Phillip Westmoreland, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and director of the Institute for Computational Science and Engineering at North Carolina State University, recently suggested that more exploration of environmentally-friendly energy sources is required.