Voids, or empty spaces, can be found within matter at various scales, from microscopic to astronomical. Researchers have utilized high-powered microscopy and mathematical theory in a new study to reveal nanoscale voids in three dimensions. This discovery has the potential to enhance the performance of materials used in a range of industries, including filtration in the home and in areas such as chemical, energy, and medical fields. By uncovering the nature of these voids, particularly within filter membranes, improvements can be made to enhance filtration properties.
Common filters used in the home may appear as solid pieces of material with uniform holes, but they are actually made up of millions of randomly oriented tiny voids that enable the passage of small particles. In industrial applications like water and solvent filtration, thin membranes act as barriers separating fluids and particles. Previous awareness of these nanoscale voids within filter membranes has been hindered by the complex structure of the membrane, obstructing a full understanding of how they impact filtration properties. By identifying a way to visualize these voids, researchers aim to enhance filter membrane performance significantly.
In a collaborative effort led by materials science and engineering professors Qian Chen and Ying Li, researchers combined materials science with the application of graph theory to image and map the random placement of voids within filtration materials. Utilizing transmission electron microscopy, electron tomography, and atomic force microscopy, the team was able to observe voids located within nanoscale mountainous landscapes termed crumples. This study focused on complex membranes used in industrial settings, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of membrane surfaces and the voids within.
Graph theory served as a means to measure and map the irregular structures found within the filter membranes and construct a predictive model to understand the impact of voids on filtration performance. By employing this mathematical approach, researchers identified a strong correlation between the unique physical and mechanical properties of random empty space and improved filtration performance. This advancement is anticipated to enhance the efficiency of next-generation porous materials, particularly in drug delivery applications. The ability to capture the irregular structures of materials using graph theory can enable advancements in a range of fields beyond filtration.
The research team’s method represents a universal technique for describing materials with irregular structures, which are not composed of repetitive uniform patterns. By capturing the ‘regularness’ of irregular structures, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of material properties and performance. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the development of filtration membranes and other porous materials in various industries. The collaborative effort of the team, along with the support of collaborators in membrane performance testing, synthesis, and analysis of polymer systems, has been crucial in the success of this study, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in scientific advancements.
