Rejection Comparison of Molecular Dyes through Non-Functionalized and Gold Nanoparticle Functionalized Polycarbonate Filters

Jeremy L. McCloud*, Sean P. McBride
Weisberg Department of Engineering and Department of Physics, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755

Presentation Category: Mathematics & Physical Sciences (Poster Presentation)

Student’s Major: Mechanical Engineering

Recent advancements in separation technologies have led to innovative new materials such as ultrathin self-assembled nanoparticle monolayers that are supported by porous polycarbonate filters. The purpose of this ongoing research project is to compare the molecular dye rejection caused by a non-functionalized polycarbonate filter and compare that to the rejection of an identical filter functionalized with 4 layers of 5 nm diameter ultrathin self-assembled gold nanoparticle monolayers. In order to accomplish this, molecular dyes direct yellow 26, direct blue 14, and direct red 80 at concentrations of 50 µM, 100 µM, 500 µM, and 1 mM have been used, and a functionalized filter with 4 layers of ultrathin self-assembled gold nanoparticle monolayers has been created. The dyes are run through each filter increasing in concentration and then decreasing in concentration respectively to track signs of hysteresis in the rejection, indicating additional functionalization has occurred. Results of rejection and flow rate as a function of volume for the molecular dye series through the filters will be reported.

Funding: WV Higher Education Policy Commission, Division of Science and Research dsr.20.1698-001

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: a West Virginia SURE program; NASA Student Fellowship sponsored by the WV NASA Space Grant Consortium