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Single-Molecule Fluorescence Investigations of Solute Transport Dynamics in Nanostructured Membrane Separation Materials

Journal Article · · Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
 [1]
  1. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS (United States); Kansas State University
Many materials used for membrane separations comprise of nanoscale structures such as pores and domains. Such nanostructures often control the solute permeability and selectivity of separation membranes. Thus, for future development of highly efficient separation membranes, it is important to understand the structural and chemical properties of these nanostructures, and also their influences on solute transport dynamics. For the last two decades, single-molecule fluorescence techniques have been used to measure the detailed dynamics of solute molecules diffusing in various nanostructured materials, giving valuable insights into molecular transport mechanisms influenced by nanoscale material heterogeneity. This Perspective will discuss recent single-molecule fluorescence studies on solute diffusion in materials relevant to membrane separations, including dense polymer films and nanoporous materials. These studies have revealed the formation and properties of nanostructures, and unique transport dynamics of solute molecules manipulated by their confinement and partitioning to the nanostructures, which play key roles in membrane separations. Furthermore, this Perspective will also point out scientific challenges toward thorough understanding of molecular-level mechanisms in membrane separations.
Research Organization:
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division (CSGB)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0002362
OSTI ID:
1987654
Journal Information:
Journal of Physical Chemistry. B, Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry. B Journal Issue: 26 Vol. 127; ISSN 1520-6106
Publisher:
American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Figures / Tables (4)