A novel method to develop nanoporous polymeric membranes using self-assembled magnetic nanoparticles as templates

• Main Author: Ng, Jarryd Keng Gene
• Other Authors: Lukaschuk, Sergei; Rybchenko, Sergey
• Published: University of Hull 2013
• Subjects: 620; Engineering
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.631124

Nanoporous membrane systems have received attention within the scientific community due to their potential in micro-fluidic devices and bio-medical applications over the past decades. The increasing interest in applications drives the development of manufacturing methods of the nanoporous membranes. This thesis describes the development of a novel method of procuring free-standing nanoporous polymeric membranes in a cost-effective and reproducible manner. The novelty of the technique hinges on the exploitation of self-assembling magnetic nanoparticles in colloidal suspensions. The self-assembly technique is accomplished through application of an external magnetic field causing the nanoparticles to form columnar structures that span across the membrane thickness. These columnar structures form the pore templates which when selectively etched away results in the array of nanopores. The research details the initial concept, describes the fabrication techniques used and highlights the characterisation methods employed.