30+ Years of Membrane Innovation
Built on Science, Driven by Impact
NL Chemical Technology Inc. (NLCT) is a water treatment membrane technology company founded in 1995 and headquartered in Mount Prospect, Illinois, USA. We specialize in developing and licensing proprietary manufacturing technologies for reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes.
Our membrane portfolio covers the full range of major families used in modern water treatment — RO membranes engineered for seawater, brackish water, and high-fouling environments, alongside NF membranes spanning a broad range of salt rejection and flux profiles.
What sets NLCT apart is what comes with the membrane chemistry. We transfer the complete production system: proprietary equipment design, end-to-end process technology, and an integrated Six Sigma quality management system — everything a licensee needs to achieve commercial-scale output, at high consistency and low unit cost, from day one.
ABOUT NLCT
Elite Technology and Engineering Team
Driven by globally recognized scientists and industry veterans, our team partners directly with clients to provide specialized training and operational solutions that drive success.
Equipment and Process
We collaborate with leading manufacturers and specialists to engineer bespoke machines and optimized processes tailored to your needs.
Dr Norman N. Li
Dr. Norman N. Li is one of the most decorated figures in chemical and petroleum industries, whose pioneering work in liquid membrane technology has shaped the field of chemical separation for decades. Over a distinguished career spanning industry, research, and professional leadership, he held senior positions at Exxon Mobil, UOP, and Honeywell — serving as Senior Scientist, Director of Research, and Division Director respectively.
Dr. Li has served as President of the North American Membrane Society (NAMS), Board Director of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and Director of the Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). He also chaired the International Congress of Membranes and Membrane Processes in Chicago and contributed as a consultant to the U.S. Apollo Moon Landing Project.
His intellectual legacy spans 45 U.S. patents, more than 100 peer-reviewed technical papers, and 20 edited books in separation science and technology — a body of work that remains a foundational reference for membrane scientists and engineers worldwide.
-
Member, U.S. National Academy of Engineering
-
Member, Chinese Academy of Sciences
-
Member, Academia Sinica (Taiwan)
-
Perkin Medal: the highest honor in the U.S. chemical industry
-
Founders Award, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (the institute's highest honor)
-
Alan S. Michaels Award, North American Membrane Society (the society's highest honor)
-
Lifetime Achievement Award, World Congress of Chemical Engineering
OUR FOUNDER
Key Honors and Awards
Join Us
CAREERS
NLCT values rigorous thinking and integrity. We are looking for experienced membrane scientists, engineers and business managers. Under the NLCT program, your research will scale up from laboratory settings to commercial-scale manufacturing.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to info@nlchem.com.
© 2026 NL Chemical Technology Inc. All rights reserved.
NL Chemical Technology Inc.
479 Business Center Dr., Suite 100
Mt Prospect, IL 60056
1-847-824-2888
info@nlchem.com