Nanoparticle-Loaded Asymmetric Membranes for Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating nanoparticle-containing membranes embed nanoparticles in the base polymer, limiting their effectiveness and available surface area, as they require modifications to the membrane spinning process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating nanoparticles into the void volumes of existing asymmetric membranes without altering the spinning process, ensuring the entire surface area of the nanoparticles remains functional and forming a permeable sealing layer to contain them within the void volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If nanoparticles are embedded in the base polymer during membrane spinning, then the membrane structure is integrated, but the nanoparticle surface area is reduced and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a non-porous support layer containing embedded nanoparticles for structural integration, and a porous active layer with void volumes for nanoparticle loading. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific function without compromising nanoparticle accessibility or membrane integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Nanoparticles are nested within the void volumes of the porous active layer, utilizing the existing porous structure to accommodate functional particles. This nesting approach maximizes nanoparticle surface area while maintaining membrane porosity and functionality, avoiding the need to compromise the base polymer structure.
2Reliability
If nanoparticles are added to the membrane spinning dope, then nanoparticles are distributed throughout the membrane, but the spinning process requires modifications and nanoparticle functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane spinning process is completed first to create the base porous structure, and only afterward are nanoparticles introduced and loaded into the void volumes. This preliminary action sequence ensures the membrane structure is optimized before nanoparticle incorporation, eliminating the need to modify the spinning process itself while maximizing nanoparticle functionality.
3Productivity
If nanoparticles are embedded in the polymer layer, then the membrane structure is stable, but the nanoparticle surface area is limited and effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the membrane are assigned different qualities: the non-porous support layer provides structural stability with embedded nanoparticles, while the porous active layer provides high nanoparticle loading capacity with maintained porosity. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its specific function without compromising overall membrane performance.
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 allows for more effective use of nanoparticles in applications like blood and water purification, bioprocessing, by maintaining their full functional surface area and avoiding complications associated with embedding in the polymer layer.
Implementation Method 1
nanoparticles located in a void volume of the membrane having a high affinity for blood toxins or biomolecules
Implementation Method 2
nanoparticles located in a void volume of the membrane for destroying or inactivating bacteria. In some embodiments the nanoparticles are silver or titanium oxide
Implementation Method 3
nanoparticles located in a void volume of the membrane that break down oil into biodegradable compounds. In some embodiments the nanoparticles are copper tungsten oxide or iron
Implementation Method 4
nanoparticles located in a void volume of the membrane that are charged or are capable of hydrophilic/hydrophobic binding
Implementation Method 5
nanoparticles located in a void volume of the membrane that are charged or are capable of hydrophilic/hydrophobic binding
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to asymmetric membranes and methods for making such membranes, wherein the membranes have a void volume and nanoparticles located in the void volume. The membranes have a variety of applications, including blood purification, water purification, water decontamination and bioprocessing.