Aligned Nanorod Membrane Deposition for Precise Pore Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to produce membranes and functional films with well-defined, controllable, and designable structures by adjusting pore size through operating parameters like flow rate, concentration, pH, and temperature, often requiring expensive materials and processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving aligned deposition of nanorod structured materials on porous surfaces via cross flow, using cellulose nanocrystals and controlling liquid crystal alignment to adjust pore size and structure, utilizing water as a solvent, and fixing the alignment through ionic strength, pH, temperature, or cross-linking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If phase inversion method is used to produce polymeric membranes, then membrane production is achieved, but pore size distribution is wide and difficult to control precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of pore formation from chemical composition control (phase inversion) to physical parameter control (nanorod deposition conditions). By adjusting nanorod concentration, flow rate, and deposition time, precise pore size control is achieved without complex iterative empirical adjustments, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses nanorod structured materials as a template to create porous membranes with controlled pore size distribution. The nanorods form a structured framework that defines pore dimensions, enabling precise control of pore size (standard deviation < 5 nm) while simplifying the production process through direct deposition rather than iterative phase inversion adjustments
2Manufacturing precision
If special methods and materials are used to obtain membranes with narrow pore size distribution, then selectivity is improved, but production cost increases and synthesis becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs readily available nanorod materials (such as cellulose nanocrystals, metal oxides, or carbon nanotubes) that can be synthesized through standard methods, replacing expensive specialized materials. The nanorods serve as temporary templates that can be deposited, used for membrane formation, and then removed or left as structural components, simplifying synthesis while achieving narrow pore size distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The nanorods act as an intermediary template during membrane formation. They are deposited on the substrate, create the desired porous structure, and then can be removed or integrated into the final membrane. This intermediary approach enables precise pore size control through simple deposition parameters rather than complex material synthesis, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture
3Adaptability or versatility
If iterative empirical adjustments are made to adjust pore size, then pore size can be modified, but production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables direct adjustment of pore size through changing deposition parameters (nanorod concentration, flow rate, deposition time) rather than iterative empirical adjustments. Each parameter change produces a predictable and controllable pore size, eliminating time-consuming trial-and-error cycles while maintaining high adaptability for different pore size requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The nanorod deposition step is performed as a preliminary action that pre-defines the pore structure before membrane formation. By controlling the deposition conditions in advance, the desired pore size is established beforehand, eliminating the need for post-processing or iterative adjustments during membrane production, thus reducing production time while maintaining versatility
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
Enables the production of films with narrow pore size distribution and enhanced selectivity, reducing material consumption and environmental impact, facilitating scalable and cost-effective commercialization.
Implementation Method 1
aligned deposition of nanorod structured materials on porous surfaces via cross (tangential) flow
Implementation Method 2
controlling the liquid crystal alignment of the nanorods during deposition on the porous surface
Implementation Method 3
A narrow pore size distribution will provide high selectivity for both products, thus increasing the efficiency of various separation operations
Implementation Method 4
fixing the alignment through ionic strength, pH, temperature, or cross-linking
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for obtaining membrane and other functional films by aligned deposition of nanorod structured materials on porous surfaces via cross flow.