Kian Lopez – Ultrapure Water
With OsmoPure Technologies, Kian Lopez is producing ultrapure water for advanced manufacturing using pressure-driven distillation.
About
Kian Lopez
Lopez is the co-founder and CEO of OsmoPure Technolgies, which is creating energy-efficient and ultra-selective membrane systems for the production of ultrapure water.
During West Gate, Lopez is validating and optimizing this method by leveraging NREL's chemistry and nanoscience process expertise, with a focus on scaling membrane fabrication through roll-to-roll manufacturing. The project involves pilot-scale deposition of nanoparticle coatings and assembly of spiral-wound modules engineered for seamless integration into ultrapure water systems.
Critical Need
Advanced manufacturing sectors such as semiconductor fabrication require ultrapure water free from salts, organic matter, and particulates. Even trace-level contaminants can cause defects, lower product yield, and compromise process reliability, making water quality a critical bottleneck in next-generation manufacturing. Current treatment systems rely on multistep processes that are expensive, complex to maintain, and still struggle to eliminate small or hard-to-remove impurities.
Potential Impact
OsmoPure simplifies ultrapure water production by achieving distillation-level purity without the use of thermal energy. The system removes most contaminants in a single step, reducing reliance on extensive treatment while lowering operating costs and improving reliability. This level of performance has the potential to improve product yields and process efficiency in semiconductor fabrication, where ultrapure water is critical.
Innovation and Advantages
Profile
Status
Bench scale
Industry
Advanced water treatment
Potential Markets
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Hydrogen production via water electrolysis
- Desalination and wastewater reuse
Looking For
- Industry mentors
- Funding
- Strategic partnerships
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Last Updated Aug. 5, 2025