High-performance ceramic membranes with a separation layer of metal oxide nanofibers

Layers of randomly oriented fibers arranged in a hierarchical structure as the separation layer in ceramic membranes (see figure) are shown to greatly improve the separation efficiency compared to conventionally fabricated ceramic membranes, and remove the problems of cracks, pinholes, and serious sintering. The membranes have many potential applications, for example, removing viruses and waterborne pathogens.