Nanofluidic Carbon Nanotube Membranes: Applications for Water Purification and Desalination

Publisher Summary The unique geometry and internal structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) give rise to newly discovered phenomena of the ultraefficient transport of water through these ultra-narrow molecular pipes. Water transport in nanometer-size nanotube pores is orders of magnitude faster than transport in other pores of comparable size. We discuss the basic physical principles of the ultraefficient transport in CNTs, the fabrication of CNT membranes, and their nanofiltration and ion exclusion properties. A rare combination of transport efficiency and selectivity makes CNT membranes a highly promising technological platform for the next-generation desalination and water purification technologies. This chapter discusses the potential of these applications for improving water quality.