2D Membrane Nanopore Fabrication Using C60 Ion Channeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming periodic nanopores on two-dimensional membranes are inadequate due to issues with pore size control, edge quality, and alignment, particularly when using traditional ions which are prone to deformation or misalignment, limiting their application in scalable fabrication for industries like water desalination.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a mask with nanotunnels to direct C60 ions to create nanopores on a membrane, allowing for controlled pore formation by adjusting the bombardment energy and maintaining channeling capability even at glancing angles, ensuring precise and scalable production of periodic nanopores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional ions are used for nanopore fabrication, then the fabrication process is simple, but the alignment precision and pore quality deteriorate due to ion deformation and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the bombarding particle from traditional monatomic ions to C60 fullerene molecules. This parameter change enables the particles to maintain structural integrity at glancing angles while still achieving precise nanopore formation, thereby improving alignment precision without sacrificing fabrication simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
C60 molecules serve as an intermediary between the ion source and the membrane. Their unique cage structure allows them to channel through nanotunnels at glancing angles without deforming, mediating the transfer of momentum to create well-aligned nanopores while maintaining process simplicity
2Strength
If mask thickness is increased to improve structural strength, then the mechanical strength improves, but the alignment tolerance requirement becomes extremely strict
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from traditional ions to C60 molecules, the patent enables use of thicker masks (up to 10 microns) while maintaining alignment tolerance. The C60 molecules' ability to withstand glancing angles allows the mask thickness to be increased for mechanical strength without proportionally tightening the alignment tolerance requirement
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional ions are used for periodic nanopore formation, then the fabrication method is straightforward, but the pore edge quality and regularity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bombarding particle parameter to C60 molecules, which maintain their structural integrity during channeling through nanotunnels. This results in more uniform energy deposition and creates nanopores with smoother edges and better regularity, improving manufacturing precision while keeping the fabrication method straightforward
4Manufacturing precision
If C60 molecules are used for nanopore fabrication, then the alignment tolerance and pore quality improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
C60 molecules act as an intermediary that simplifies the overall system requirements. Their ability to channel at glancing angles eliminates the need for extremely precise alignment mechanisms, reducing device complexity despite the sophisticated physics involved in C60 channeling
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of high-quality, periodic nanopores with controlled sizes and smooth edges, enhancing applications in molecular detection, gas separation, and water purification by maintaining the integrity and alignment of C60 molecules, thus overcoming previous limitations in scalability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
bombarding the membrane with C60 ions through at least one nanotunnel formed through a mask positioned thereon
Implementation Method 2
adjusting a bombardment energy of the C60 ions to control a size of the at least one nanopore
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods for creating or fabricating nanopore(s) on a membrane. The membrane is bombarded by ions, for example, C60 ions through at least one nanotunnel through a mask that is positioned on the membrane. Also provided is a two dimensional membrane with at least one nanopore thereon fabricated via these methods.