The research describes a novel approach to designing smart membranes with self-cleaning capabilities for desalination. By incorporating stimuli-responsive organic crystals into the membrane's surface layer, a dynamic functionality is added. A gating effect is demonstrated, where heating slightly above room temperature triggers a mechanical response in the crystals, effectively removing foulants and increasing mass transfer. This approach offers a potential solution to the fouling issue in desalination membranes, leading to enhanced efficiency and longer operational lifetimes.
