The current issue (02/2026) of the trade journal „F&S Filtrieren und Separieren“ features an interview with Dr. Daniel Breite, group leader of the “Innovative Membrane Materials” working group within the “Surfaces of Porous Membrane Filters” research division at the IOM.

In conversation with other experts from the DGMT working group “Membranes for Climate Protection,” Dr. Breite provides insights into the role of membrane technologies in climate and resource protection. The focus is on both current applications and future potential in areas such as water treatment, circular economy, and industrial process optimization.

A central theme of the interview is the question of how membranes fit into the overall system of technical solutions. Dr. Breite succinctly sums this up: “In the end, membranes are part of the truth.”

In doing so, he emphasizes that while membrane processes can be a decisive lever, they unfold their full potential particularly when combined with other technologies. At the same time, he highlights the importance of further research, for example in materials, recycling concepts, and the scaling of new applications.

As part of IFAT 2026 in Munich, Dr. Breite will also speak on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as part of a DGMT joint presentation on the topic “Membrane Technology for Climate Protection and Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change.” There, he will present current developments and perspectives from research and application.

The interview is part of a special feature on environmental and water technology in conjunction with IFAT 2026 in Munich. This feature highlights the close interconnection between technological capabilities, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals. The issue is supplemented by practical articles, including topics such as hydrogen applications, wastewater treatment, and innovative membrane processes.

Dr. Daniel Breite has been Group Leader of “Innovative Membrane Materials” at the Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) in Leipzig since 2022. Previously, he was a research associate there and earned his doctorate in cooperation with the University of Leipzig. His focus is on the development of new membrane materials and surface concepts, as well as on issues related to sustainable membrane production and further development.

The February 2026 issue of F&S Filtration and Separation is available from the publisher.