Carbon-doped metal oxide interfacial nanofilms for ultrafast and precise separation of molecules.

Sengupta, Bratin; Dong, Qiaobei; Khadka, Rajan; Behera, Dinesh Kumar; Yang, Ruizhe; Liu, Jun; Jiang, Ji; Keblinski, Pawel et al. · Science · 2023

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Membranes with molecular-sized, high-density nanopores, which are stable under industrially relevant conditions, are needed to decrease energy consumption for separations. Interfacial polymerization has demonstrated its potential for large-scale production of organic membranes, such as polyamide desalination membranes. We report an analogous ultrafast interfacial process to generate inorganic, nanoporous carbon-doped metal oxide (CDTO) nanofilms for precise molecular separation. For a given pore size, these nanofilms have 2 to 10 times higher pore density (assuming the same tortuosity) than reported and commercial organic solvent nanofiltration membranes, yielding ultra-high solvent permeance, even if they are thicker. Owing to exceptional mechanical, chemical, and thermal stabilities, CDTO nanofilms with designable, rigid nanopores exhibited long-term stable and efficient organic separation under harsh conditions.