Drexel Nanotechnology InstituteMaterials and Nanotechnology ConsortiumAn NSF Integrated Graduate Education and Research Traineeship in Nanoscale Science & EngineeringResearch Experience for Teachers in the Area of NanotechnologyMaterials Science and EngineeringCollege of Engineering

Carbon Nanopipes for Nanofluidic Devices and In-situ Fluid Studies

The processes that govern fluid processes in pipes are well understood for diameters in the range of micrometers and above. As the diameters diminish (e.g. in the range of a few nanometers), the role of surface tension and capillarity is has been seen to change, as well as their dependence on material properties. Thus, the expected promise of Carbon nanotubes in technological applications is in urgent need of a well-documented basic understanding of such forces, especially since no consistent experimental data have been collected so far. The PI has obtained a lot of results in the determination of the liquid/vapor distribution in nanotubes, interaction of the fluids with the nanotubes walls as well as the effect of the hydrothermal treatment on the carbon nanotubes. On that basis, he offers to develop an experimental program that will explore as thoroughly as possible the various aspects of phase interfacing in a number of nanotube situations. The special case of the newly developed closed nanotubes will be examined. Fluid behavior, Chemical modification, metallization, and opening of the nanopipes will be also investigated using bipolar electrochemistry. Then, the experimental work will be supplemented by modeling based on parallel molecular dynamics simulations. Such work should offer a precious set of data for the elaboration of a model based on precise experimental observations.

Carbide Derived Carbon

The research focus is on the discovery of new methods for synthesis of carbon coatings on the surface of silicon-carbides and nanoporous materials with tunable pore size. This research will allow the comparison of different techniques for the extraction of metals from carbides. The comparison will then make it possible to increase our understanding of carbon growth mechanisms. The coatings developed as a result of this research will find uses in new protective coatings for sensors and tools, intermediate thin films for further chemical vapor deposition of diamond, molecular membranes for sensors, et al. Porous materials will be used for hydrogen storage, methane storage, gas separation, water desalination, and other applications.

Nanodiamond



 

 

 

D.N.I | M. C. F. | I.G.E.R.T. | RET-Nnano | Materials Science & Engineering | College of Engineering