CAREER: Aligned Carbon Nanotube Composite Array as Permeable Membrane for Selective Chemical Separations and Sensing

University Of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington KY

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Proposal Title: CAREER: Aligned Carbon Nanotube Composite Arrays as Permeable Membranes for Selective Chemical Separations and Sensing Proposal Number: CTS-0348544 Principal Investigator: Bruce Hinds Institution: University of Kentucky This project is aimed at the development of highly selective affinity membranes based on aligned carbon nanotubes embedded in a polymer film. This concept could lead to the development of membranes with enhanced selectivity for numerous applications. The growth of oriented carbon nanotubes by thermal CVD and functionalization of the carbon nanotube tips with carboxylic acid groups have been demonstrated. The carboxylic acid groups at the ends of the carbon nanotubes can be functionalized, allowing for high selectivity in an affinity membrane. Measurements of transport properties of nitrogen gas and aqueous ionic species through polymer-coated carbon nanotube structures have been performed; these measurements demonstrated the molecular sieving character of the membranes. In terms of the broader impacts, the educational program will include the development of new courses and laboratories aimed at introducing nanotechnology to undergraduates. Success in this research effort will enable a new class of well controlled nanoscale pore structures for selective chemical separations, sensors, drug delivery, and environmental remediation.