The Potential of Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Analytical Separations

Abstract

Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of nanoporous membranes based on carbon nanotubes, which, by virtue of their exceptional properties, constitute excellent supports for analytical processes, including the selective separation of some molecules.

Carbon nanotube-nanoporous anodic alumina composite membranes with controllable inner diameters and surface chemistry: Influence on molecular transport and chemical selectivity

“…It also shows the poor crystallinity of prepared CNTs as a result of absence of the metal catalyst. These results proved advantages of template-synthesized technology for the fabrication of highly aligned CNTs inside NAAMs, compared with their random orientation in CNTs membranes prepared by other methods [3,7,23,24]. In separation processes, fluids and gases are delivered through the tubular structure of CNTs and therefore these structural and chemical properties of the membranes play a key role in the separation performance [25].…”

PES mixed matrix nanofiltration membrane embedded with polymer wrapped MWCNT: Fabrication and performance optimization in dye removal by RSM

“…CNTs are prominently employed due to their mechanical and chemical stability and adsorption capability. However, their applications are limited due to low dispersion, high tendency toward aggregation [34], and weak interaction between surface of CNTs and polymer matrix as a result of low compatibility [35][36][37]. Poor adhesion between CNTs and surrounding polymer chains might result in decline in composite uniformity [38] and agglomerate formation [39].…”

Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation on Carbon Nanotubes According to Structural Integrity as a Foundation for an Absolute Purity Evaluation

“…[1][2][3][4][5] However, twenty years after their discovery by Iijima, [6] many challenges are still faced which hinge their widespread applications. [7][8][9][10][11][12] In this regard, one of the most fundamental aspects is the precise analysis of as-produced SWCNTs, as a widely applicable, readily and quickly available standard protocol for the determination of the absolute nanotube purity (with regard to structurally perfect SWCNTs in the bulk sample) is still lacking so that evidence from multiple spectroscopic and microscopic techniques usually needs to be cumulated in time-consuming studies.…”