Patent ID: 8343403
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. A method for making a microporous membrane, comprising: providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes, each carbon nanotube having a first end and an opposing second end and a hollow interior with a diameter of 20 Angstroms or less; sonicating the plurality of carbon nanotubes utilizing a solution comprising deionized, distilled water and a surfactant that coats at least one of the plurality of carbon nanotubes; collecting the coated carbon nanotubes; embedding the coated carbon nanotubes into a matrix; curing the nanotube-matrix assembly; and cutting the nanotube-matrix assembly to a thickness so as to open the first end and the opposing second end of the embedded carbon nanotudes, wherein the hollow interior of the carbon nanotube comprises a pore of the microporous membrane and the microporous membrane is so configured as to enable movement of molecules therethrough.