Carbon nanotube immobilized membranes for next generation desalination

S. Roy, S. Ragunath, K. Mitra, S. Mitra

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The objective of this project is to utilize carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to create breakthrough membrane properties for the generation of pure water via membrane distillation (MD). this fundamentally new approach will reduce the cost and energy requirements for the utilization of waste and brackish water and will dramatically change the competitive landscape of conventional methods such as reverse osmosis (RO) and thermal evaporation. also, MD can be operated at relatively lower temperatures (60-90°C) using low-grade heat. this makes feasible the possibility of utilizing waste heat and alternative energy sources such as solar energy. the use of electrical energy is minimal. the novel membrane referred to as carbon nanotube immobilized membranes (CNIM) are developed by immobilizing cnts into membrane pores where, they serve as molecular transporters and sorbents, thus providing additional pathways for solute transport. the CNTs also increase the functional surface area due to their high aspect ratio. all of these mechanisms play important roles in the transport of water vapors and lead to enhanced performance desalination.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNSTI
Subtitle of host publicationMaterials for Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability - TechConnect Briefs 2015
EditorsBart Romanowicz, Matthew Laudon
PublisherTaylor and Francis Inc.
Pages258-259
Number of pages2
ISBN (Electronic)9781498747288
StatePublished - 2015
Event10th Annual TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo, Held Jointly with the 18th Annual Nanotech Conference and Expo, and the 2015 National SBIR/STTR Conference - Washington, United States
Duration: Jun 14 2015Jun 17 2015

Publication series

NameNSTI: Advanced Materials - TechConnect Briefs 2015
Volume2

Other

Other10th Annual TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo, Held Jointly with the 18th Annual Nanotech Conference and Expo, and the 2015 National SBIR/STTR Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington
Period6/14/156/17/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
  • Biotechnology
  • Fuel Technology

Keywords

  • Carbon nanotube
  • Desalination
  • Membrane
  • Membrane distillation

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