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

目的：该项目的总体目标是开发可扩展的方法来制造垂直排列的碳纳米管和纳米孔膜，用于分析分离和水净化。该项目将产生一个可靠的试验过程，用于制造这种膜，利用大面积机械坚固的薄膜和系统表征这些膜的性能。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：智力优势源于以下方面：(1)材料科学和工艺工程的研究，使垂直排列纳米结构膜的生产成为可能；(2)严谨的纳米受限输运实验研究。该项目将实现一个长期追求的目标，即可靠地生产具有可控、排列纳米孔的大面积膜。表征这些系统中的结构-性能-加工关系将构成新的和有价值的实用制造技术。更广泛的影响：项目的更广泛的影响是：(1)通过本科和研究生课程的新课程开发，将研究与教育结合起来；(2)科学博览会和科学之路项目的K-12外展活动；(3)着重征聘代表性不足的群体；(4)为本科生提供暑期研究机会，为学生提供行业实习机会。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过程，将产生强有力的技术影响。

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.