Microscopy and Spectroscopy Techniques for Characterization of Polymeric Membranes

Abstract

Polymeric membrane is a proven technology for water purification and wastewater treatment. The membrane is also commercialized for gas separation, mainly for carbon dioxide removal and hydrogen recovery. Characterization techniques are excellent tools for exploring the membrane structure and the chemical properties. This information can be then optimized to improve the membrane for better performance. In this paper, characterization techniques for studying the physical structure such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are discussed. Techniques for investigating the crystal structure such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) are also considered. Other tools for determining the functional groups such Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are reviewed. Methods for determining the elemental composition such as energy-dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray fluorescent (XRF), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are explored. The paper also gives general guidelines for sample preparation and data interpretation for each characterization technique.

Lightweight, Ferroelectric-Ferromagnetic Polymer- Nanocomposites for Field Sensor Applications

“…The of a composite thin film could be easily described by effective medium theory. As per that theory, the depolarization factor is greatly depends on aspect ratio of nano-fillers in the nanocomposite [44] . Hence, the outstanding enhancement in the dielectric performance of the nanocomposite can be ascribed to nano-ceramic having immense aspect ratios, which are quite effective in amplifying of composites at lower concentration [47].…”

“…The surface morphology polymer nanocomposite thin film was examined via SEM of ZEISS and topography by AFM of Bruker; model-Multimode 8. [43][44][45] Prior to SEM experiment magnetron sputtering was employed to coat the thin film by gold. Prior to examine the ferroelectric nature of the thin film pooling was performed via corona discharge method.…”

“…The distinct but diffused rings of the SAED pattern is a clear indication of polycrystalline system at nano level. Surface morphology further analysed with the assistance of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) [44][45], which are presented in figure 2(e-f). Figure 3(e) and (f) represents the 2D and 3D AFM picture of 0.95PVDF-0.05CoFe2O4 respectively.…”

<p>The Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer: A Critical Review</p>

“…16 The usable techniques to evaluate the CNTs and drugs with each other were collected as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc. 17 However, the side effects of pulmonary fibrosis and exacerbation have been seen in the use of this approach in rodents with a history of the previous pulmonary disease. 16 The toxicity of these carriers is fully evaluated in the "toxicity assessment of CNTs" section.…”

Membranes for Gas Separation

“…Alqaheem and Alomair [12] show the characterization techniques for studying the physical structure such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Techniques for investigating the crystal structure such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) are also considered.…”