How 2D nanoflakes improve transport in mixed matrix membranes: insights from a simple lattice model and dynamic mean field theory
Abstract
Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), incorporating graphene and graphene oxide structural fragments, have emerged as promising materials for challenging gas separation processes. What remains unclear is the actual molecular mechanism responsible for the enhanced permeability and perm- selectivity of these materials. With the fully atomistic models still unable to handle the required time and length scales, here we employ a simple qualitative model based on the lattice representa- tion of the physical system and Dynamic Mean Field theory. We demonstrate that the performance enhancement results from the flux-regularization impact of the 2D nanoflakes, and that this effect sensitively depends on the orientation of the nanoflakes and the properties of the interface between the nanoflakes and the polymer.
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Tianmu (Tim) Yuan
Ph.D. Candidate
My work combines statistical mechanical theory and molecular simulations to study fluid transport phenomena across heterogeneous porous materials.
Lev Sarkisov
Professor in Chemical Engineering, Group Leader
My research gears towards discovering, analyzing and prediciting the properties of nanoporous materials towards employing them for energy efficient separations via adsorption.