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Sustainable nanomaterials: the role of Cyrene in optimising carbon nanotubes dispersion and filtration efficiency

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posted on 2025-01-20, 17:02 authored by Roxana A. Milescu, Con McElroyCon McElroy, Edward TaylorEdward Taylor, Peter EatonPeter Eaton, Paul M. Williams, Richard Phillips, Thomas James Farmer, James H. Clark

This study focuses on the fabrication and characterisation of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) buckypapers and polyethersulfone (PES) flat-sheet membranes using Cyrene, aiming toevaluate its efficacy as a green solvent for these applications. Pristine SWCNTs were dispersed inCyrene without surfactants and compared to N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) dispersions. Buckypapers were fabricated from these dispersions and characterised using Scanning ElectronMicroscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and infrared spectroscopy. Their performancewas tested in wastewater and oil-water emulsion filtrations and antimicrobial activity. PESmembranes incorporating SWCNTs were prepared using phase inversion and analysed via SEM,optical microscopy, and contact angle. Membrane properties and water permeability were assessed,and bacterial challenge tests evaluated antimicrobial activity. Cyrene enabled the dispersion ofSWCNTs at higher concentrations (0.038 mg mL⁻1) compared to NMP (0.013 mg mL⁻1). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that Cyrene effectively debundles SWCNTs, yielding better dispersion. Buckypapers fabricated with Cyrene demonstrated dense, uniform networks with enhanced surface smoothness and promising filtration performance for wastewater treatment and oil-water separation. PES membranes made with Cyrene exhibited well-organised finger-like structures, interconnected pores, superior porosity, and higher water permeability than NMP-based membranes. Incorporating SWCNTs further improved membrane performance. However, bacterial challenge tests indicated no significant antimicrobial activity. The findings highlight Cyrene’s potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional solvents, offering improved material properties and filtration performance. Despite these advantages, further studies are necessary to address solvent residuals and long-term safety considerations, ensuring its suitability for broader applications.

Funding

The authors would like to thank the Circa Group for part-funding of this study through the RenewChem.

History

School affiliated with

  • School of Chemistry (Research Outputs)
  • Department of Life Sciences (Research Outputs)

Publication Title

Frontiers in Chemistry

Volume

12

Pages/Article Number

1498279

Publisher

Frontiers in Chemistry

eISSN

2296-2646

Date Submitted

2024-09-18

Date Accepted

2024-11-26

Date of First Publication

2024-12-19

Open Access Status

  • Open Access

Date Document First Uploaded

2025-01-08

Will your conference paper be published in proceedings?

  • N/A

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