SNM: Scalable Continuous Production of Aligned Carbon Nanotube and Nanoporous Membranes

目的：本项目的总体目标是开发可扩展的方法来制备垂直排列的碳纳米管和纳米孔膜，以应用于分析分离和水净化。该项目将产生一种可靠的中试工艺，利用大面积机械坚固的薄膜制造这种薄膜，并对这些薄膜的性能进行系统的表征。这项研究的潜在影响是变革性的--所开发的材料、方法和知识可以使从水净化到能源生产和医疗保健的广泛技术成为可能，具有深远的社会影响。智力优势：智力优势来自以下方面：(1)材料科学和工艺工程的调查，以使垂直排列的纳米结构膜的生产成为可能；(2)严格的纳米受限传输的实验研究。该项目将实现一个长期寻求的目标，即可靠地生产具有可控的、定向的纳米孔的大面积膜。这些系统中的结构-财产-加工关系的表征将构成新的和有价值的实用制造技术。广泛的影响：该项目的更广泛的影响是：(1)通过为本科生和研究生课程开发新的课程来整合研究和教育；(2)在科学博览会和科学路径计划中开展K-12外展活动；(3)侧重于招聘代表不足的群体；(4)为本科生提供暑期研究机会，并为学生提供工业实习机会。此外，由于与工业界的密切合作和致力于开发与工业有关的进程，将产生强大的技术影响。

Objective: The overall objective of this project is to develop scalable methods for fabricating vertically aligned carbon nanotube and nanoporous membranes for applications in analytical separation and water purification. This project will result in a reliable pilot process for the manufacture of such membranes utilizing large area mechanically robust films and the systematic characterization of the performance of these membranes. The potential impact of this research is transformative - the materials, methods and knowledge developed can enable a broad spectrum of technologies from water purification to energy generation and health care, with profound societal impacts.Intellectual Merits: The intellectual merits stem from the following: (1) Investigation of materials science and process engineering to enable the production of vertically aligned nanostructured membranes; (2) Rigorous experimental studies of nano-confined transport. This project will accomplish a long sought goal in the reliable production of large-area membranes with controlled, aligned nanoporosity. Characterization of the structure-property-processing relationships in these systems will constitute new and valuable practical manufacturing know-how.Broader Impacts: The broader impacts of the project are: (1) Integration of research and education through new curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate courses; (2) K-12 outreach activities in Science Fair and Science Pathways programs; (3) A focus on recruitment of under-represented groups; (4) Summer research opportunities for undergraduates and industrial internships for students. Additionally, there will be a strong technical impact due to the close collaboration with industry and the commitment to the development of an industrially relevant process.