Characterizing Membrane Sorption and Diffusion with Flux Lateral Force Microscopy

,
,

Keywords: , , , ,

Bulk permeability measurements provide an incomplete descriptor of permeability when considering heterogeneous or anisotropic membranes. Localized measurements of flux allow for independent assessment of constituent contributions to total permeability. Analogous to a puck on an air hockey table, permeate flow in membranes contributes to a local reduction in surface friction. By positioning a lateral force microscope (LFM) onto a custom membrane stage, local variations in friction force and hence permeability can be measured directly at the surface, with nanoscale resolution. In the absence of gas-membrane interactions, the friction force – pressure gradient is directly proportional to bulk permeability of the membrane. On a more complex reverse selective membrane, the friction force is shown to have both diffusive and sorption contributions.

PDF of paper:


Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2008: Life Sciences, Medicine & Bio Materials – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 696 - 699
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topic: Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8504-4