Surface charge enabled nanoporous semi-permeable membrane for desalination

a semi-permeable membrane, surface charge technology, applied in the direction of membranes, separation processes, centrifuges, etc., can solve the problems of undeveloped improvement in the conventional art, high cost of the approach, and significant energy consumption

US20120267249A1Inactive Publication Date: 2012-10-25GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2012-10-25
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.
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Description

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

[0001] This application is a Continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 607,258 filed on Oct. 28, 2009, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to semi-permeable membranes and more particularly to a semi-permeable nanoporous membrane and methods for making and using the same for desalination and other processes.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Water desalination may be thought of in terms of two approaches. The two basic approaches for water desalination include reverse osmosis and distillation. The distillation approach requires converting fluid water to the vapor phase and condensing water from the vapor. This approach is fairly high cost and requires significant energy usage. The reverse osmosis approach uses pressure on a salinated liquid to force water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane. This approach has a relativity ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]In accordance with the present principles, a new membrane is described, which utilizes a surface charge of nanopores and / or nanochannels. In one embodiment, for reverse osmosis, a high salt rejection is achieved while simultaneously maintaining high flux. In one embodiment, a nanoscale filter includes arrays of parallel nanopores or channels which are formed into a membrane material. The surface of the nanopore or channel is configured with a material, which has a high negative (or positive) surface charge when exposed to an electrolyte. This effect blocks the transport of ions through the channel, and is effectively an ion filter.

[0022]It is to be understood that the present invention will be described in terms of a non-limiting semi-permeable membrane formed from a material including aluminum; however, other structures, membrane materials, coating materials, process features and steps may be varied within the scope of the present invention. The membrane may be formed in shee...