Eric Hoek and his colleagues from UCLA, for example, have developed a membrane embedded with tiny particles containing narrow flow channels, producing a significant increase in water flux.
Industrial efforts to purify water or natural gas, for example, separate desired compounds from mixtures by passing them through membranes pocked with tiny holes.
A membrane between the sides is perforated with tiny holes that allow for the exchange of oxygen, for example, or pharmaceutical compounds.
According to New Scientist, this image was "Captured with a scanning electron microscope, the image shows a membrane of tiny nanofibres, made with a process also being used to create protective face masks for soldiers".
Inspired by these structures, researchers created a membrane of tiny overlapping nanofibers with similar deicing powers, which may pave the way for uniquely ice-resistant materials. .
These suede sport shoes really do breathe, thanks to a rubber sole laced with tiny holes and a patented one-way membrane.
A catalytic membrane was also developed by coating the Pervap membrane with a thin superficial layer of tiny catalyst particles in poly vinyl alcohol) solution.
Or rollerskates with tiny wheels.
Things with tiny dimples?
