Aligned carbon nanotube membranes for gas and water separation
This technology is a method for making high-performance filtration membranes by embedding carbon nanotubes—oriented perpendicular to the membrane surface like tiny aligned pipes—into a polymer matrix. The key innovation is that alignment is achieved simply through a filtration process at very low nanotube concentrations, without specialized equipment. The resulting membrane combines the exceptional transport properties of carbon nanotubes (fast, selective flow) with the structural integrity of a polymer film. Chemical modifications to the nanotubes can further tune what the membrane lets through, enabling selectivity for specific gases, ions, or molecules.
What you could build
A next-generation filtration or gas-separation membrane product for industrial water treatment, desalination, or carbon capture applications; buyers would be membrane manufacturers, water treatment equipment companies, and chemical process firms seeking performance upgrades over polymeric membranes.
Who in Virginia should care
Water utilities, defense contractors with filtration or gas-separation needs, and Virginia-based chemical or materials companies engaged in environmental remediation or industrial separation processes.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Eva MARAND, Sangil KIM
- Granted
- April 26, 2011
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7931838
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.