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

目标：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多孔膜，用于分析分离和水净化。该项目将导致一个可靠的试点过程中使用大面积机械坚固的膜和这些膜的性能的系统表征这种膜的制造。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，并产生深远的社会影响。智力优势：智力优势来自以下方面：（1）研究材料科学和工艺工程，使垂直排列的纳米结构膜的生产成为可能;（2）严格的纳米约束输运实验研究。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、对齐的纳米孔隙率的大面积膜。更广泛的影响：该项目的更广泛的影响是：（1）通过本科生和研究生课程的新课程开发，整合研究和教育;（2）在科学博览会和科学途径计划中的K-12推广活动;（3）在科学博览会和科学途径计划中的研究和教育。（3）重点招聘代表性不足的群体;（4）为本科生提供暑期研究机会，为学生提供工业实习机会。此外，由于与工业界的密切合作以及对开发工业相关工艺的承诺，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.