This work investigates ways to fabricate composite macro-structures
made of carbon nanotubes in combination with polymers and metals to
enhance membrane lifespan and performance. Carbon nanotube Buckypapers
were used as a template to engineer composite structures. The new
materials have been thoroughly characterized for their thermal, structural and
performance characteristics. The permeation and adsorption of gas and water
vapor, as well as the membranes’ performance in desalination by direct
contact membrane distillation, were tested and compared with polymeric
benchmarks.