Professor Pinnau's research interests are in membrane processes for the separation of gasesand liquids: natural gas treatment, CO2 sequestration, hydrogen recovery, olefin/paraffinseparations and water purification. His research focuses on synthesis of high-performancepolymers; development of high-performance membranes for gas and liquid separations; hybridorganic/inorganic membranes; nanostructured microporous polymer membranes; thin-filmtechnology; and membrane modifications (surface coatings/fouling resistance). Current projectsinclude improving the transport properties and long-term stability of advanced membranes forenergy-intensive applications such as water desalination systems, products for large-scalecommercial use in gas and vapor separations, and environmental remediation.​