Electricity generated with water, salt - and a 3 atoms thick membrane

EPFL researchers have developed a system that generates electricity from osmosis with unparalleled efficiency. Proponents of clean energy will soon have a new source to add to their existing array of solar, wind, and hydropower: osmotic power. Or more specifically, energy generated by a natural phenomenon occurring when fresh water comes into with seawater through a membrane. Researchers at EPFL's Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology have developed an osmotic power generation system that delivers never-before-seen yields. Their innovation lies in a three atoms thick membrane used to separate the two fluids. The results of The concept is fairly simple. A semipermeable membrane separates two fluids with different salt concentrations.