Osmootne

Osmootne is a fictional material concept used in theoretical discussions of osmotic processes and membrane science. It denotes a hypothetical crystalline framework with a tunable pore network that enables highly selective water transport under osmotic gradients, while limiting solute passage.

In proposed models, osmootne features pore sizes in the sub-nanometer range, hydrophilic channels, and robust chemical stability in saline environments. The structure is described as comprising alternating inorganic nodes and organic linkers, forming a 3D lattice with anisotropic transport properties. Its permeability and selectivity are treated as adjustable parameters in computer simulations.

Osmootne has appeared in academic thought experiments and some science fiction works to explore limits of water desalination and osmotically driven energy generation. Because it is not demonstrated in physical experiments, many claims about performance remain speculative, and realistic synthesis routes are unknown.

The concept is discussed alongside real-world membrane technologies such as forward osmosis and pressure-retarded osmosis, used to illustrate potential improvements and the fundamental trade-offs between permeability, selectivity, and stability. Researchers use osmootne as a tool to test theoretical bounds and to compare against known materials like graphene oxide or various polymeric membranes.

See also: Osmosis, Membrane science, Desalination, Forward osmosis, Pressure-retarded osmosis.