Utilizing Nanoporous Alumina Membranes for Molecular Transport and Silica Nanotube Synthesis

Alumina-based nanomembranes with pores of ̃200 nanometers in diameter were modified with a variety of different substituted silanes. The transport of ions through these treated membranes was studied using several analytical tools such as ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The surface characteristics of the membrane were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). Infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of silane coupling with the alumina membrane. Silanes with variable functional groups, either hydrophobic (isobutyl trimethoxysilane, IBTMS) or hydrophilic (aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, AMPTMS and aldehydtrimethoxysilane, ALDTMS), were examined. Preliminary data demonstrate that the alumina membranes treated with IBTMS and ALDTMS allow low transport compared to blank (untreated) membrane. The addition of a surfactant (dodecylbenzenesulfonate) slightly improves the transport as compared to untreated membranes. The presence of vacuum did not influence the transport rate and a spin coating silanization technique was found to be effective. Microscopy data confirm that the template synthesis of silica nanotubes using a sol-gel technique produces silica nanotubes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Communication

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication

Year

2007

Author dc:creator

• Kona, Ravikanth

Contributors dc:contributor

• Erich Steinle

• alumina nanomembranes
• silanization
• membrane modification
• sol-gel
• nanotube
• Communication

Statement dc:rights

• © Ravikanth Kona

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1040

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-2041