Collaborative Research: Electrofluidic Carbon Nanofiber Arrays for Multi-Dimensional Separations

提案编号：0729250 /0728860主要研究者：Jason Heikenfeld / Philip Rack研究机构：辛辛那提大学/田纳西大学-诺克斯维尔分校提案标题：合作研究：用于多维分离的电流体碳纳米纤维阵列该合作提案的目的是创建一个新的多相传输平台，为多维分离提供新的能力。该团队将构建二维容纳单元阵列，每个单元由10，000个紧密间隔（10 -100 nm）的电流体碳纳米纤维（ECNF）组成。这些垂直取向的ECNF包括高度共形的疏水介电涂层。周长约为250 × 250微米的电池由底层薄膜晶体管进行电气控制。整个阵列是顶部密封的，并形成约10微米高的微流体通道。这产生了高活性细胞的2D阵列，其可以快速泵送水相和一种或多种不混溶相。这种方法是独特的，因为所有的分离机制在每个单元中都是同时激活和可切换的。具体的研究目标包括：（1）研究通过ECNF单元的线性阵列的被动传输的三维控制;（2）通过与薄膜Si晶体管阵列集成来激活多相油/水/颗粒泵送;（3）验证平台可以在x-y位置、尺寸、质量、表面能和离子电荷的维度上执行高值分离。主要的科学问题包括：（a）提供了在真正集成的系统中维度和峰值容量之间的权衡的第一知识;（B）提供了用于理解德拜（纳米）尺度的颗粒和多相流体流动的新机制;（c）朝着能够模拟胞内囊泡运输和主动膜运输的高活性纳米结构迈出了关键的第一步。该项目将直接影响药物发现，实验室规模的分离，人类芯片传感器和纳米技术领域。该团队在几个领域拥有专业知识：药物发现（NeoCytex Biosciomma），膜分离（NSF膜应用科学与技术中心）和纳米技术开发（Luna Nanoworks部门）。该团队已经利用他们的初步研究，以科学地吸引两组K-8学生。该团队将继续专注于对K-8级少数民族的至关重要的刺激，并将扩大教育目标，包括辛辛那提和田纳西州之间独特的本科研究交流。

PROPOSAL NUMBER: 0729250 / 0728860PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jason Heikenfeld / Philip RackINSTITUTION: University of Cincinnati / University of Tennessee - KnoxvillePROPOSAL TITLE: Collaborative Research: Electrofluidic Carbon Nanofiber Arrays for Multi-Dimensional SeparationsThe objective of this collaborative proposal is to create a novel multiphase transport platform that provides new capabilities for multidimensional separations. The team will construct two-dimensional arrays of containment cells, each cell consisting of 10,000 closely spaced (10's-100's nm) electrofluidic carbon nanofibers (ECNFs). These vertically oriented ECNFs include a highly conformal hydrophobic dielectric coating. Cells of ~250x250-micrometer perimeter are electrically controlled by an underlying thin film transistor. The entire array is top-sealed and forms a ~10-micrometer high microfluidic channel. This creates a 2D array of highly active cells that can rapidly pump an aqueous phase and one or more immiscible phases. This approach is unique since all separation mechanisms are simultaneously active and switchable in each cell. Specific research aims include: (1) investigate 3-dimensional control of passive transport through a linear array of ECNF cells; (2) activate multiphase oil/water/particle pumping via integration with a thin-film Si transistor array; (3) validate that the platform can perform high-value separations in the dimensions of x-y location, size, mass, surface energy, and ionic charge. Leading scientific issues include: (a) providing the first knowledge of the tradeoff between dimensionality and peak capacity in a truly integrated system; (b) providing a new mechanism for understanding particle and multi-phase fluid flow at Debye (nano) scales; (c) making critical first steps towards highly active nanostructures that can mimic intracellular vesicle trafficking and active membrane transport. This project will directly impact the fields of drug discovery, lab-scale separations, human-onchip sensors, and nanotechnology. The team has expertise in several areas: drug-discovery (NeoCytex Biopharma), membrane separations (NSF Center for Membrane Applied Science and Technology), and nanotechnology development (Luna Nanoworks Division). The team has already utilized their preliminary research in order to scientifically engage two groups of K-8 students. The team will continue to focus on critically important stimulation of minorities at the K-8 level and will broaden educational aims to include a unique undergraduate research exchange between Cincinnati and Tennessee.