Membranes having aligned 1-D nanoparticles in a matrix layer for improved fluid separation

US9216391B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Porifera, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Ravindra Revanur · Fremont, US
• Valentin Lulevich · Berkeley, US
• Il Juhn Roh · San Ramon, US
• Jennifer Klare · Berkeley, US
• Sangil Kim · Hwaseong-si, KR
• Aleksandr Noy · Redwood City, US
• Olgica Bakajin · San Leandro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 23, 2012
• Grant date: Dec 22, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 5, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D2325/48
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Membranes for fluid separation are disclosed. These membranes have a matrix layer sandwiched between an active layer and a porous support layer. The matrix layer includes 1-D nanoparticles that are vertically aligned in a porous polymer matrix, and which substantially extend through the matrix layer. The active layer provides species-specific transport, while the support layer provides mechanical support. A matrix layer of this type has favorable surface morphology for forming the active layer. Furthermore, the pores that form in the matrix layer tend to be smaller and more evenly distributed as a result of the presence of aligned 1-D nanoparticles. Improved performance of separation membranes of this type is attributed to these effects.