Assembled surface-anisotropic colloids as a template for a multistage catalytic membrane reactor.
A polymeric catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) is fabricated using alternating assemblies of surface-anisotropic (sa-) and plain (p-) polystyrene (PS) colloids as a template. We report the preparation of TiO2 sa-PS colloids by physical vapor deposition of titanium onto a colloidal monolayer in an oxygen-rich environment and employ the modified colloids as a means to deliver the TiO2 catalyst to the CMR pores. sa-PS and p-PS colloids are assembled into alternating cylindrical sections inside a microcapillary followed by infiltration and curing of a liquid polymer precursor in the interstitial space of the assembly. Subsequent organic solvent treatment results in a cylindrical porous CMR with embedded TiO2 caps. TiO2 cap embedment, composition and surface morphology, surface pore structure, and cross-sectional integrity are analyzed using variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Song
Jung Hun Kevin
JH
Department of Chemical Engineering, The City College of New York, Steinman Hall, 140th Street & Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10031, USA.
Kretzschmar
Ilona
I
D019149:Bioreactors; D002384:Catalysis; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D005898:Glass; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods; D056951:Photoelectron Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry; D016062:Porosity; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
D003102:Colloids; D011137:Polystyrenes; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium