A-membranes

A-membranes emerged in 2021 as a spin-off from the Flemish cleantech institute VITO and the University of Antwerp, distilling over a decade of joint research into a visionary filtration enterprise. The core of their innovation lies in FunMem® technology, a patented process that chemically grafts a monolayer of organic functional groups onto ceramic membrane surfaces—transforming inert filtration media into finely tuned affinity tools. This tailored engineering allows A-membranes to transcend traditional size-based separations, enabling selective, high-efficiency fractionation and purification in a wide range of industrial applications—from aqueous to solvent streams, including membrane extraction, degassing, dealcoholization, and nanofiltration operations.

Their product suite spans from lab-scale modules to industrial-length tubular membranes, accompanied by stainless-steel housings and turnkey pilot systems compliant with GMP or food sector requirements. Offering feasibility studies and mobile pilot-plant rentals, A-membranes supports clients in designing scalable systems that promise reduced energy use, minimal environmental footprint, and robust performance under harsh chemical and thermal conditions. Their ceramic-organic bonding—engineered via Grignard chemistry—ensures stability at temperatures above 150 °C, broad pH ranges, and aggressive solvents, while remaining cleanable, sterilizable, and dry-stor able without performance loss.

By aligning advanced materials science with sustainability imperatives, A-membranes delivers a disruptive alternative to traditional distillation or chromatography methods, bringing both environmental and operational advantages. Their approach empowers industries to manage difficult separations more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.

keywords: membrane filtration, ceramic membranes, nano-technology, affinity separation, sustainable industry, grafted membranes, deep tech, pilot systems, water treatment, solvent purification