Filtration Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

A buried vertical filter for micro and nanoparticle filtration

This paper presents a silicon micromachined filter concept suitable for separating micro- and nanoparticles. The filter is orientated vertically and buried beneath a silicon nitride surface layer. The vertically positioned structure accommodates highly uniform pores and allows for efficient use of die area while the buried aspect makes it possible for additional features to be integrated directly above the filter and its microchannels. The filter consists of a porous wall that is structurally defined inside the silicon substrate and is released, together with the microchannels, by isotropically etching the surrounding silicon. Fluidic experiments have confirmed the filtration functionality of fabricated devices using operating pressures up to 700kPa. The proposed concept also offers the possibility to have built-in cleansing of the cake layer formed on the porous wall, by reversing the fluid flow.

Hierarchical and Multifunctional Three‐Dimensional Network of Carbon Nanotubes for Microfluidic Applications

Three-Dimensional network of carbon nanotubes: The 3D network of CNTs have hierarchical structures comprised of interconnected SWNTs between Si pillars in microfluidic channels. The Al(2)O(3) coated 3D networks were used for size different nanoparticles filtration and streptavidin capturing in very diluted solution. The 3D network of SWNTs systems will provide a robust multifuncitonal platform for a variety of biomedical and environmental applications.

Modelling flow and filtration in liquid composite moulding of nanoparticle loaded thermosets

This paper presents analytical and numerical models of liquid moulding of hybrid composites. An 1-D analytical solution of Darcy’s problem, accompanied by nanoparticle filtration kinetics and conservation, has been developed. A non-linear finite difference model incorporating variations in permeability, porosity and viscosity as a function of local nanoparticle loading was formulated. Comparison of the two models allowed verification of their validity, whilst a mesh sensitivity study demonstrated the convergence of the numerical scheme. The limits of validity of the analytical solution were established over a range of infiltration lengths and filtration rates for different nanoparticle loadings. The analytical model provides an accurate and efficient approximation of through thickness infusion of hybrid composites, whereas use of the numerical scheme is necessary for accurate simulation of in-plane filling processes. The models developed here can serve as the basis of process design/optimisation for the production of hybrid composites with controlled distribution of nano-reinforcement.

High Flux and Bendable Carbon Nanofiber Membranes for the Filtration of Nanoparticles from Aqueous Solutions

High Flux and Bendable Carbon Nanofiber Membranes for the Filtration of Nanoparticles from Aqueous Solutions

RTM processing and electrical performance of carbon nanotube modified epoxy/fibre composites

This investigation focuses on nanoparticle filtration in the processing of multiscale carbon and glass fibre composites via resin transfer moulding. Surface modified and unmodified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into a commercial epoxy resin. The dispersion quality was evaluated using electrical measurements of the liquid suspensions. The manufacturing process was adapted to the challenges posed by the modified rheological behaviour of the CNT loaded resin. Nanoparticle filtration was observed; with some of the unmodified systems following so called ‘cake filtration’ behaviour. This resulted in nonlinear flow behaviour that deviated from the ideal response observed in RTM filling in conventional composites. The electrical conductivity of relatively high fibre volume fraction multiscale carbon and glass laminates increased by less than an order of magnitude with the addition of the nanotubes.

Measurement of plasma volume using fluorescent silica-based nanoparticles

Plasma volume (PV) is an important determinant of cardiovascular function and organ perfusion, and it is the target of infusion and diuretic therapies in daily clinical practice. Despite its fundamental importance PV is not commonly measured because available methods of tracer dilution are reliant on dye substances that suffer from numerous drawbacks including binding plasma proteins, spectral changes, and clearance kinetics that complicate analysis and interpretation. To address these issues, we have tested the utility of fluorescent nanoparticles comprised of a dye-rich silica core and polyethylene glycol-coated shell. Photophysical and visual analysis showed discrete size-gradated nanoparticle populations could be synthesized within a distribution tolerance of ±4 nm, which were optically unaffected in the presence of plasma/albumin. In normal mice, the cutoff for renal filtration of nanoparticles from blood into urine was ≤11 nm. A linear relationship between body weight and PV was readily determined in mice administered far red fluorescent nanoparticles sized either 20 or 30 nm. PV measurements using nanoparticles were correlated to values obtained with Evans blue dye. Induced expansion or contraction of PV was demonstrated with albumin or furosemide administration, respectively, in mice. Longitudinal experiments >30 min required matched untreated control mice to correct for nanoparticle loss (≈30%) putatively to the reticuloendothelial/phagocyte system. Collectively, the findings support a nanotechnology-based solution to methodological problems in measure of PV, notably in clinical settings where information on hemodynamic changes may improve treatment of injury and disease.

Lipid nanoparticle purification by Spin Centrifugation–Dialysis (SCD): A facile and high-throughput approach for small scale preparation of siRNA–lipid complexes

This paper describes the use of Spin Centrifugation–Dialysis (SCD) for small-scale concentration/purification of siRNA–lipid complexes designed for use as therapeutic agents for gene silencing. SCD consists of a two-step method for concentration, filtration and buffer exchange of Lipid Nanoparticles (LNP) to provide a homogeneous preparation suitable for injection. Here, we compare SCD with the more traditionally used Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF), and demonstrate the physicochemical and biological comparability of LNPs produced with both methods. TFF is a highly scalable method used in both developmental and production applications, but is limited in terms of miniaturization. In contrast to TFF, SCD is faster, less expensive, and requires less oversight for assembling LNPs for small-scale applications, such as target screening both in vitro and in vivo. The finding that SCD is a viable method for filtering LNPs in a manner similar to TFF, producing particles with comparable properties and biological activity, is significant given the complexity and sensitivity of LNPs to processing conditions.

Fabrication of a multi-walled carbon nanotube-deposited glass fiber air filter for the enhancement of nano and submicron aerosol particle filtration and additional antibacterial efficacy

We grew multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on a glass fiber air filter using thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) after the filter was catalytically activated with a spark discharge. After the CNT deposition, filtration and antibacterial tests were performed with the filters. Potassium chloride (KCl) particles (< 1 μm) were used as the test aerosol particles, and their number concentration was measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer. Antibacterial tests were performed using the colony counting method, and Escherichia coli ( E. coli) was used as the test bacteria. The results showed that the CNT deposition increased the filtration efficiency of nano and submicron-sized particles, but did not increase the pressure drop across the filter. When a pristine glass fiber filter that had no CNTs was used, the particle filtration efficiencies at particle sizes under 30 nm and near 500 nm were 48.5% and 46.8%, respectively. However, the efficiencies increased to 64.3% and 60.2%, respectively, when the CNT-deposited filter was used. The reduction in the number of viable cells was determined by counting the colony forming units (CFU) of each test filter after contact with the cells. The pristine glass fiber filter was used as a control, and 83.7% of the E. coli were inactivated on the CNT-deposited filter.

Nanofiber-based filters as novel barrier systems for nanomaterial exposure scenarios

In this article our latest advances in the development of efficient barrier systems against micro- and nano-particulate materials are presented. Nanofibrous polyamide 6 (PA6) mats were fabricated by electrospinning onto a nonwoven viscose substrate. The influence of electrospinning parameters including solution concentration, viscosity, and conductivity, were studied for the production of nonwovens with different fiber size distribution ranging from 74 to 261 nm in diameters. Moreover, the formation of nanowebs (30-40 nm) which are widely distributed among fibers was observed. By varying several process parameters, membranes with different thickness of the nanofiber layer and therefore air permeability and nanoparticle filtration efficiency were obtained.

Nonwoven filtration mat production by electrospinning method

The filtration of nanoparticles and submicron particles is an important problem in industry and health protection. One of the methods which can be used to solve this problem is to use nonwoven nanofibrous filters. The process of producing filtration mats of different thickness by electrospinning is presented in the paper. The experimental results on filtration properties of nanofibrous filter mat, including the efficiency of removal of cigarette smoke particles from a gas are also presented.

Carbonaceous Nanofiber Membranes for Selective Filtration and Separation of Nanoparticles

A new type of free-standing membrane composed of highly uniform carbonaceous nanofibers has been fabricated on a large scale. The membrane with a controllable cut-off size exhibits high flux and excellent size-selective rejection properties, and can be used to filter and separate nanoparticles with different sizes from solution by a simple filtration process.

Inter-laboratory performance between two nanoparticle air filtration systems using scanning mobility particle analyzers

The performance of two aerosol testing systems, at two different laboratories (University of Nebraska Medical Center—UNMC and 3M Company), was compared to evaluate which calibration procedures minimized variability in filter testing of nanoparticles. Both charged electret and uncharged flat-web fibrous filters were used with Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers to give upstream and downstream size distributions and calculate filter penetration. Challenge aerosols were polydisperse nanoparticles of sodium chloride (NaCl) ranging from approximately 10–300 nm and monodisperse polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres of preselected sizes, including 40, 60, 100, and 200 nm. The implementation of optimized procedures resulted in comparable filtration performance at the two testing sites with challenges of NaCl particles and PSL spheres. The penetration results for the uncharged filter were nearly identical for both challenges, while lower penetration through the charged filter was observed with NaCl aerosol, probably due to differences in NaCl and PSL dielectric constants. Results showed that reproducible, comparable nanoparticle filtration data could be achieved between two separate laboratories when sources of error and proper calibration procedures were addressed.

Pore-scale study of the collector efficiency of nanoparticles in packings of nonspherical collectors

Pore-scale simulations of flow and transport through a filter were used to predict clean-bed filtration of nanoparticles from a 3D image of the filter. X-ray micro-computed tomography was used to obtain the geometry and topology of the filter consisting of flattened half-spherical collectors. A Lattice-Boltzmann method was used to model fluid flow and particle transport in the volumetric image of the filter. Nanoparticles are considered that are so small that diffusion, as compared to the processes of gravitational settlement and interception, dominates particle deposition. A correlation equation is determined for the average collector efficiency for diffusion through regression analysis performed for a set of numerical breakthrough experiments for a range of suspended particle sizes and Darcy velocities. This correlation quantifies the collector size by the surface average equivalent sphere diameter. The newly derived correlation agrees well with experimental data.

Organic–inorganic mesoporous silica nanostrands for ultrafine filtration of spherical nanoparticles

We report a protocol for the direct synthesis of hexagonal silica nanostrands inside anodic alumina membranes using cationic surfactants as templates. When coated with layers of trimethylsilyl moieties, the nanostrands were a powerful tool for the ultrafine filtration of noble metal and semiconductor nanoparticles.

Filtration of nanoparticles: Evolution of cake structure and pressure-drop

The detailed three-dimensional accumulation of deposits and the build-up of pressure-drop during filtration of compressible gases laden with nanoparticles (diameter d p =50 nm) through capillaries (1–4 μm radius) was investigated by Langevin dynamics (LD) at Peclet number, Pe, 0.01–10. At low Pe, highly porous (98%) deposits were formed while at higher Pe the porosity was slightly reduced including a void cone upstream of the capillary inlet. Three distinct deposition regimes were identified: capillary deposition, clogging and cake growth. At the time of clogging ( t cl ), a filter cake with constant solid volume fraction began to form, accompanied with build-up of pressure-drop which was in excellent agreement with classic cake filtration theory. An expression for the solid volume fraction of the cake ( φ sd , c ) was obtained as a sole function of Pe. In addition, the filtration efficiency became 1 after clogging, since the cake acts as a perfectly efficient filter. Penetration of nanoparticles takes place until the onset of cake filtration at high Pe (1–10) while for smaller ones (0.01–0.1) it is negligible at the employed capillary radii and length (10 μm). Analytical expressions for the time of capillary clogging and height of the void cone were derived and were in agreement to LD simulations. The height of the void cone is in the order of one capillary diameter at high Pe.

Nanoparticles filtration by leaked fibrous filters

The aim of this work is first to measured nanoparticles penetration through three different fiberglass filters intentionally-pierced with calibrated needles at different filtration velocity. Then a semi-empirical model based on the air flow resistances of the new and perforated filter media and on the mechanism of Brownian diffusion for the collection of ultrafine particles by the media enables to well predict the efficiency observed for all tested operating conditions. Results show that the increase of particles penetration is all the more important that the pinhole is large and that the particle diameter is low. Another result is that the filtration efficiency of the new filter media controlled the penetration. A high efficiency filter with a high resistance to air flow will be more damaged than a low efficiency filter when being perforated.

Estimation of the upper limit of aerosol nanoparticles penetration through inhomogeneous fibrous filters

The fully segregated flow model (FSFM) was formulated to describe filtration of aerosol nanoparticles in polydisperse fibrous filters made of fibers with different diameters. The model is capable of predicting significantly higher penetration of nanoparticles through polydisperse filters than it may be expected from the classical theory applied to a mean fiber diameter. The model was solved numerically in the case of the log-normal fiber size distribution, and a simple correlation between the actual penetration through a polydisperse filter and the one calculated for the geometric mean fiber diameter was proposed. Equivalent fiber diameter for deposition due to Brownian diffusion was determined and it was found to be dependent on particle size and filter’s polydispersity degree, being significantly greater than any mean fiber diameter. It was noted that it is impossible to select any one universal mean fiber diameter to describe penetration of nanoparticles with different sizes. It was also shown that in the case of a polydisperse fibrous filter the apparent exponent of the Peclet number based on the mean fiber diameter is greater than the expected value of −2/3 for diffusional deposition in a monodisperse filter. This prediction is in agreement with the available experimental data. The FSFM is expected to give the estimation of the upper limit of nanoparticles penetration in polydisperse fibrous filters.

Editorial

An overview of the special issue of the Journal of Nanoparticle Research on Occupational and Environmental Health of nanotechnology is presented. Papers published in this special issue show considerable progress in understanding nanoparticle toxicity, monitoring, generation, dustiness, filtration, and applications of nanoparticles. More research is needed to ensure safe handling of nanomaterials as nanotechnology continues to develop at an incredible pace.

Deposition and Filtration of Nanoparticles in the Composites of Nano- and Microsized Fibers

Filtration of aerosol particles using composites of nano- and microsized fibrous structures is a promising method of effective separation of nanoparticles from gases. The multiscale physical system describing the flow pattern and particles deposition in it requires other than a continuous approach for the process analysis. The lattice-Boltzmann method was used for the calculation of deposition efficiency on nanosized particles for the system consisting of two nano- and microsized fibers. The proposed method allows to calculate the deposition efficiency of nanoparticles on both fibers for a very wide range of Knudsen numbers in the case of each nanofiber considering molecular, slip, and continuous flow patterns. The nanofiber is a significant attractor for collecting particles as an element of multiscale fibers of the filtration composite. The results of particle deposition efficiency calculated for the microfiber, using proposed method, are similar to those obtained from the classical continuum approach (...

Nanoparticle filtration by electrospun polymer fibers

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers with mean diameters in 270–400 nm range were prepared by electrospinning for use as a filter media. Compared to commercial filters made of polyolefin and glass, the fibers of electrospun filters were more uniform in diameter. The performance of electrospun filters was evaluated by measuring the penetration of monodisperse NaCl nanoparticles (below 80 nm in size) through the filters. It was found that electrospun filters could be made which had nanoparticle penetration values comparable to commercial filters but with substantially less filter mass. The penetration of nanoparticles through the electrospun filter media could be reduced by increasing the filter thickness, which is controlled by the collection time during the electrospinning process. Nanoparticle collection by electrostatic forces was found to be negligible for electrospun filters. Filter quality factors and single fiber collection efficiencies were found to be independent of filter thickness for electrospun filters, and the penetration of nanoparticles through electrospun filters was in better agreement with theoretical predictions than was the measured penetration through a commercial filter. This study shows that electrospinning is a promising technology for the production of high performance nanoparticle filters.