At present, most forward osmosis membranes use non-woven fabric or polymer as the main supporting layer material, but the thickness is relatively thick and it is easy to cause additional water flux resistance. Although it can provide a strong support strength for the membrane, it limited the improvement of the overall performance. The results of this study show that by removing the traditional supporting layer material and using carbon nanotubes as a supporting layer, a thinner carbon composite film with higher water flux can be fabricated.

The emerging energy-saving forward osmosis technology has been promoted to many fields. In addition to seawater desalination and wastewater treatment, it can also be applied to food processing, protein concentrated and seawater power generation. It is a green technology with great potential.

This work has received Taiwan patent. Thus, the forward osmosis membranes with low water flux resistance and good mechanical strength can be fabricated and be accelerated its commercialization time.