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Size-selectivity and anomalous subdiffusion of nanoparticles through carbon nanofiber-based membranes

J D Fowlkes1, B L Fletcher2,3, S T Retterer1,3, A V Melechko1, M L Simpson1,2 and M J Doktycz3

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A simulation is presented here that serves the dual functions of generating a nanoporous membrane replica and executing the Brownian motion of nanoparticles through the virtual membrane. Specifically, the concentration profile of a dilute solution of fluorescent particles in a stochastic and SiO2-coated carbon nanofiber (oxCNF), nanoporous membrane was simulated. The quality of the simulated profile was determined by comparing the results with experimental concentration profiles. The experimental concentration profiles were collected adjacent to the oxCNF membrane surface from time-lapse fluorescence microscopy images. The simulation proved ideal as an accurate predictor of particle diffusion—the simulated concentration profile merged with the experimental profiles at the inlet/exit surfaces of the oxCNF membrane. In particular, the oxCNF barrier was found to hinder the transport of 50 and 100 nm particles and transmembrane trajectories were indicative of anomalous subdiffusion; the diffusion coefficient was found to be a function of time and space.


PACS

66.30.Pa Diffusion in nanoscale solids

66.30.H- Self-diffusion and ionic conduction in nonmetals

61.46.Df Structure of nanocrystals and nanoparticles ("colloidal" quantum dots but not gate-isolated embedded quantum dots)

78.67.Bf Nanocrystals and nanoparticles

78.55.Hx Other solid inorganic materials

Subjects

Condensed matter: electrical, magnetic and optical

Nanoscale science and low-D systems

Condensed matter: structural, mechanical & thermal

Dates

Issue 41 (15 October 2008)

Received 14 March 2008, in final form 28 July 2008

Published 3 September 2008



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