An international research team has developed ultrathin polymer membranes known as Polymers of Locked Intrinsic Microporosity (PLIMs) that can remove 99.8% of heavy hydrocarbons (C15+) from Arabian Extra Light crude oil at room temperature. The membranes also cut corrosive sulfur compounds by 93% by stabilizing pore structure through an in situ crosslinking process. The system ran continuously for 30 days and is designed to fit existing spiral-wound industrial modules. The technology has not been commercialized, but it could reduce refinery energy use and equipment wear, improving processing economics.

GE Aerospace and its subsidiary Avio Aero completed what they described as the world’s first simulated-altitude engine restart test using hydrogen fuel at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Lampoldshausen, Germany. The trial focused on whether hydrogen combustion can be reignited quickly and reliably in thin, cold air at high altitude. The work was carried out under the EU-funded HYDEA program and is intended to support CFM International’s RISE technology demonstration, which targets ground validation of hydrogen propulsion by 2026.