The objective of this 2003 volume from the Materials Research Society is twofold - to provide an overview of advances in membrane science and technology and to enhance communication among membrane researchers from a variety of disciplines including chemistry, biology, biotechnology, chemical engineering and materials science. Membranes can be used for inert or reactive separations in a variety of fields including gas purification, water treatment, energy storage and conversion, bio-technology and biomedicine. The book brings together scientists involved in the entire spectrum of modern approaches to membrane science and technology to address synthesis, characterization and transport properties and their use in established and emerging applications. Topics include: membrane synthesis and preparation; surface modification and additives; hybrid and composite membranes; membrane characterization; transport phenomena in membranes; charged membranes and ion transfer; gas permeation and separation; pervaporation and vapor permeation; dense membranes for hydrogen separation; applications in biotechnology and biomedicine; and membrane R&D for industrial and emerging applications.