Toray rolls out three nanofiltration membranes for lithium, wastewater and offshore oil
- The phased rollout of the LXM, HP3 and SRM2 membranes began in September 2026.
- LXM passes lithium ions while separating divalent ions including nickel, cobalt, manganese and magnesium.
- HP3 is designed to limit permeate-flow decline at pressures around 80 bar.
- SRM2 removes at least 99.8% of sulfate ions for offshore seawater injection systems.
Rollout and applications
Toray began a phased rollout of three industrial nanofiltration membranes in September 2026. The LXM, HP3 and SRM2 models target lithium recovery, high-pressure wastewater treatment and sulfate removal, respectively. Toray Advanced Materials Korea manufactures the products and jointly developed LXM technology with Toray.
Membrane performance
LXM combines acid resistance with an element design for treating highly acidic battery-recycling leachates. It allows lithium ions through while separating divalent metals, including nickel, cobalt, manganese and magnesium.
HP3 uses redesigned composite membranes and elements to reduce permeate-flow declines at pressures around 80 bar, supporting high-concentration processing for zero and minimal liquid discharge and resource recovery.
SRM2 is designed for offshore oilfield seawater injection. Its separation layer and secondary coating remove at least 99.8% of sulfate ions, while improving stability under temperature fluctuations and resistance to fouling and chemicals.
Source: Toray