Electrospun nanofiber composites for water treatment applications
AssigneesThe Regents of the University of California, University of Iowa Research Foundation
InventorsDavid Michael Cwiertny, Nosang Vincent Myung, Katherine Tanya Peter, Katherine Elizabeth Greenstein, Gene Francis Parkin
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Abstract
Composites comprising polymeric nanofibers, metal oxide nanoparticles, and optional surface-segregating surfactants and precursor compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed are nonwoven mats formed from the composites and methods of making and using the composites. The composites enable the deployment of nanostructured materials for water treatment within a self-contained membrane with high water fluxes, as well as a number uses.
Claims10
A composite, comprising,
- polymeric nanofibers;
- metal oxide nanoparticles;
- wherein at least a portion of said metal oxide nanoparticles are embedded within said polymeric nanofibers and at least another portion of said metal oxide nanoparticles embedded on said polymeric nanofibers;
- optionally, surface-segregating surfactant;
- and
- optionally, carbon nanotubes, graphene, or a combination thereof;
- wherein said composite has a pore volume, as determined by N2-BET analysis, of at least about 0.1 cm3/g.
A composite, comprising,
- polymeric nanofibers;
- metal oxide nanoparticles;
- wherein at least a portion of said metal oxide nanoparticles are embedded within said polymeric nanofibers and at least another portion of said metal oxide nanoparticles embedded on said polymeric nanofibers;
- optionally, surface-segregating surfactant;
- and
- optionally, carbon nanotubes, graphene, or a combination thereof;
- wherein said composite has a Young's Modulus, as measured by atomic force microscopy indentation, of less than about 100 MPa.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.