Tianjin University Researchers Develop Advanced Membrane Technology to Boost Carbon Capture Efficiency

## New Membrane Design Advances Carbon Capture Capabilities Researchers at Tianjin University in China have developed a novel purely organic mixed-matrix membrane that could represent a meaningful step forward in carbon capture technology, according to a report distributed via PR Newswire on 14 October 2026. The new membrane design is said to achieve a combination of high separation performance, long-term operational stability, and scalable manufacturability — three characteristics that have historically proven difficult to achieve simultaneously in carbon capture membrane technology. ### Significance for Maritime Decarbonisation While the research originates in an academic setting, its implications for the maritime industry are noteworthy. The shipping sector faces mounting regulatory pressure to reduce carbon emissions under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) revised greenhouse gas strategy, which targets net-zero emissions by or around 2050. Onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) systems have emerged as one potential pathway for vessel operators to meet interim emissions reduction targets without wholesale fleet replacement. Advances in membrane-based carbon separation technology could lower the cost, weight, and complexity of OCCS systems, making them more viable for integration aboard commercial vessels ranging from bulk carriers to container ships. ### Technical Overview The Tianjin University team's membrane leverages a purely organic mixed-matrix architecture, a design approach that seeks to overcome the compatibility issues often encountered when combining organic polymers with inorganic fillers in conventional mixed-matrix membranes. By maintaining an all-organic composition, the researchers report improved interfacial integrity and processing characteristics suited to large-scale production. Full technical details of the research are available through the official PR Newswire release, with further peer-reviewed publication expected to follow. ### Broader Context Carbon capture membrane technology is an active area of global research and development, with institutions and private companies across Asia, Europe, and North America competing to deliver commercially viable solutions. For the maritime sector, the race to develop practical, shipboard-compatible carbon capture systems is intensifying as classification societies and flag states begin to formalise technical standards for such equipment. The Tianjin University development adds to a growing body of research that positions membrane-based separation as a potentially lighter and more energy-efficient alternative to amine scrubbing systems currently under evaluation by several major shipowners and engine manufacturers.