Thin Films & Nanomaterials

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Vanderbilt researchers have developed a unique membrane material for more efficient and reliable eletrodialysis. By utilizing a 3D junction structure, the nanofiber bipolar membrane does not degrade or delaminate during high current passage unlike commercial 2D membranes that are currently available.

Vanderbilt researchers have synthesized porous adsorbent materials for the capture of toxic industrial chemicals. These adsorbent materials have finely dispersed reactive sites that allow for higher adsorption capacities than existing materials. They can be used in filters for the military, homeland security, first responders, and for a wide range of industrial and commercial catalysts to capture toxic gases such as ammonia and sulfur dioxide.

Vanderbilt University researchers have developed a novel approach for creating dynamic, tunable reflective color displays using an electrochemical modulator. The technology can be implemented into devices requiring low power reflective color displays, such as smart watches and e-readers, and is adaptable for spectral control across a broad spectrum of frequencies from the visible to the far infrared. This technology provides a low power, tunable approach for modulating the optical properties of a material.

Low molecular weight hydrogelator (LMHG) formulations are rare, but are preferred over polymeric hydrogels because of their improved biodegradability, biocompatibility and disintegration. Unfortunately, existing LMHGs often fall apart under slight environmental changes, seriously limiting their utility. However, the novel LMHG presented here is able to gelate >95% water in both acidic and basic forms, is robust to environmental changes, and has promising utility in controlled drug release, RNA delivery, tissue engineering, cosmetics, cancer therapy, biomaterials and other chemical industries, making it a promising new material for many different industries.