Fabrication method for vertically aligned BNNT membranes.
Invention Summary:
Rutgers scientists and collaborators have developed an innovative method to fabricate vertically aligned boron-nitride nanotube (BNNT) membranes with high nanopore density. BNNTs were aligned and concentrated in a liquid pre-polymer with an external field, and then locked in place by in-situ polymerization. The resulting membrane showed high ion selectivity even at high molarities and ultrafast cation transport. Under an osmotic concentration difference, the BNNT membranes generated electrical power at power density of ~1000 W/m2 of open pore area, which was 1-3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the conventional membrane-based systems.
Market Applications:
- Osmotic energy harvesting
- Water purification & desalination
- Biological molecule separation
Advantages:
- Easy fabrication
- High nanopore density
- High power density
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or collaboration.
