Anti-Fouling HybridSil-TM Membranes for Potable Air Force Water Needs

In this Special AF program, NanoSonic shall explore our commercial product, HybridSil ICEPHOBIC nanocomposite combined with WashU’s Distillation Membranes as a Defense-Related Dual-Purpose technology for near-term military functional hybrids (AFOSR FOCUS AREA RTB2) and commercial water purification markets. NanoSonic has developed HybridSil ICEPHOBIC (HS IP) as an ice mitigating hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposite for commercial, clean energy, and military applications, such as cell phone towers, wind turbines, and drones. A current dual use need for this technology, identified by our STTR partner WashU, is an improved anti-fouling membrane for their Direct Contact Membrane Distillation (DCMD) process. Current water purification membranes and wastewater treatment methods at Edwards Air Force base, for example, could be significantly improved with ultra-hydrophobic antifouling coatings. Edwards Wastewater Treatment plant is already transforming 400,000 gal/day of wastewater into reclaimed water through bacterial methods. The new anti-fouling DCMD would purify the water and recycle valuable nutrients such as Phosphorus (~$15,000/lb) which is not renewable. NanoSonic shall deliver HS IP membrane demos to AF PEOs for evaluation to adapt this non-defense technology as a low risk solution for potable water production in remote areas, wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery, and urine management for pilots that must endure extended flight missions.