Enhancing Separation and Mechanical Performance of Hybrid Membranes through Nanoparticle Surface Modification.

Membranes with selective gas transport properties and good mechanical integrity are increasingly desired to replace current energy intensive approaches to gas separation. Here, we report on the dual enhancement of transport and mechanical properties of hybrid cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) membranes with aminopropyl-modified silica nanoparticles. CO permeability in hybrid membranes exceeds what can be predicted by Maxwell's equation and surpasses values of the pure polymer.

Engineering Synergy: Energy and Mass Transport in Hybrid Nanomaterials.

An emerging class of materials that are hybrid in nature is propelling a technological revolution in energy, touching many fundamental aspects of energy-generation, storage, and conservation. Hybrid materials combine classical inorganic and organic components to yield materials that manifest new functionalities unattainable in traditional composites or other related multicomponent materials, which have additive function only. This Research News article highlights the exciting materials design innovations that hybrid materials enable, with an eye toward energy-relevant applications involving charge, heat, and mass transport.