(408f) Prospects for Controllable Ultrathin Membrane Synthesis Using Molecular Layer Deposition

In recent years, the recognized need for increasingly permeable, selective, and robust membranes has driven the exploration of alternative membrane synthesis approaches that allow for better control over materials properties than phase-inversion. One potential tool for membrane synthesis is molecular layer deposition (MLD), an increasingly popular process for the growth of organic and porous ceramic ultrathin films. This vapor-phase, layer-by-layer technique, which allows for sub-nanometer control over thickness, structure, and composition of materials, has become increasingly scalable due to developments in spatial atomic layer processing techniques. This improved scalability has allowed these tools to be considered outside the semiconductor industry, such as in solar cells and battery electrodes. Since membranes also rely upon precise materials properties to operate effectively, requiring narrow pore size distributions, non-fouling surface chemistries, and robust rheological properties, there is significant potential to use MLD to create membranes with enhanced properties and performance.

This presentation will highlight the potential use of molecular layer deposition in membrane separations, reviewing recent advancements in this area. First, the use of MLD to enhance membrane performance will be highlighted, including work to decorate membrane surfaces and control pore sizes. Then, cases where MLD has been used to create the active separating layer will be discussed, such as in MLD-based desalination membranes and hybrid MLD-based porous layers. Finally, promising future directions and the improvements that will ultimately be necessary for it to be used in commercial membrane synthesis will be explored.