Omniphobic membranes for volatile compound removal in coconut water processing
Roll-to-roll manufacturable omniphobic membranes designed for membrane distillation and pervaporation in high total dissolved solids feed streams. Enables selective removal of volatile organic compounds from coconut water without wetting or performance loss, preserving juice quality and minerals.
Overview
This solution offers omniphobic membrane technology engineered for the selective removal of volatile organic compounds from coconut water and similar high total dissolved solids feed streams. The membranes are produced using roll-to-roll manufacturing, enabling scalable production for industrial deployment. Designed to resist wetting in low-surface-energy environments, the technology supports both membrane distillation for light volatile compounds and pervaporation for broader volatile organic matter removal. The approach combines advanced materials science with process engineering expertise to address separation challenges in beverage and food processing applications where preserving product quality and mineral content is essential.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Omniphobic membrane materials manufactured via roll-to-roll processing for scalable production
- Resistance to wetting in feed streams with high total dissolved solids and low surface energy
- Effective removal of light organic vapors such as alcohol without performance loss
- Customizable surface chemistry for selective sorption of heterocyclic compounds
- Compatible with membrane distillation and pervaporation process configurations
- Module design expertise supported by experienced separation scientists, including a former Pall membrane specialist
Process capabilities:
- Laboratory-validated solvent filtration, evaporation, water purification, and resource recovery workflows
- Skid development and process engineering for integration into existing production lines
- Feasibility testing on sample feed solutions to demonstrate separation without compromising juice quality or mineral content
Technology readiness level
The omniphobic membrane materials have been tested across multiple solution types and have demonstrated non-wetting behavior and stable performance during light organic vapor removal. A test unit and materials are available for volatile compound separation validation. Future development includes a five to seven month materials design phase for heterocyclic compound targeting upon compound disclosure. The team offers development of twelve-month milestone-based plans tailored to mutually agreed separation factor targets, indicating readiness for sponsored research collaboration and pilot-stage validation.
About University of Nebraska, Lincoln
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska system, combining land-grant reach with a collaborative, industry-engaged culture. A research and technology park adjacent to campus provides modern wet and dry labs, greenhouses, offices, and conferencing, enabling companies to co-locate with faculty and access shared equipment and pilot environments. A statewide extension network links university expertise with producers and communities, creating rapid pathways for field trials, demonstrations, and workforce pipelines. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NSF, USDA, DOE, and NIH. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, agreements, and startup formation with industry-friendly terms.
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