Recently, a collaborative research team led by Professor Yichunhai from the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Xi'an Jiaotong University, working alongside Professor Swee Ching Tan of the National University of Singapore and Professor Alicia AN from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, has made significant strides in developing a photocatalytic membrane based on flexible ceramic nanofibers. This innovation enables the efficient, simultaneous production of freshwater and hydrogen energy.

The team constructed a La-doped ZrO₂/UiO-66-NH₂/CdS ceramic nanofiber membrane with a hierarchical structure. This was achieved through a series of meticulous processes including electrospinning, high-temperature calcination, seed-assisted in-situ growth, and superhydrophobic modification. By integrating membrane distillation and photocatalytic hydrogen production onto a single platform, the membrane achieved a remarkable hydrogen production rate of 74.8 mmol·m⁻²·h⁻¹, alongside a water flux of 41.0 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ and an impressive desalination rate of up to 99.95%. Moreover, the membrane exhibits exceptional resistance to wetting and fouling, ensuring long-term operational stability.

The groundbreaking research findings have been published in the prestigious international journal Advanced Materials.