Separation processes and units via minimal surface area mass and heat transfer packing

A method of distillation which comprises:

• passing a vapor into a first volume of a distillation column, the distillation column comprising a minimal surface area material forming a boundary of at least one conduit, the minimal surface area material further forming a structure which separates the first volume from a second volume of the distillation column, wherein the at least one conduit comprises a curved shape such that the at least one conduit extends from one end of the distillation column to an opposing end of the distillation column along a curved line;
• passing a liquid into the second volume of the distillation column;
• circulating the vapor and the liquid countercurrently within the distillation column such that both the vapor and the liquid are in contact with the minimal surface area material to produce a distillate, wherein the structure prevents mass transfer of liquid from the second volume to the first volume;
• and
• extracting the distillate from the structure which separates the first volume from the second volume of the distillation column.