News J-WAFS Community Spotlight on Akash Ball

As a J-WAFS Fellow, Ball is working on the computational discovery of novel metal organic frameworks as membranes for selective separation.

Avery Plachcinski, J-WAFS August 19, 2024

In observance of National Water Quality Month, J-WAFS spotlighted the water filtration and desalination research of Akash Ball, a PhD candidate in the MIT chemical engineering department. As a 2024-25 J-WAFS Fellow for Water and Food Solutions, Ball is  working in the lab of MIT chemical engineering Professor Heather J. Kulik on the computational discovery of novel metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as membranes for selective ion separation. The project has applications in desalination, heavy metal removal from drinking water, and battery recycling.

In this video, Ball shares insights into the importance of creating energy-efficient ion separation membranes, which play a crucial part in the water-energy nexus. He also highlights why ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water is essential for the health of future generations and the vitality of our economy.

Learn more about Akash Ball in this video