Diffusion of nanoparticles in solution through elastomeric membrane

Nanotechnology is currently one of the most studied branches of science with the number of uses of engineering nanoparticles (ENP) in various fields. The ENP have wide variety of applications including biomedical, energy and... [ view full abstract ]

Nanotechnology is currently one of the most studied branches of science with the number of uses of engineering nanoparticles (ENP) in various fields. The ENP have wide variety of applications including biomedical, energy and agribusiness fields. These ENP are increasingly used in suspension in liquids. In many applications such as in filtration processes or in the production of packaging, ENP in solution are in contact with elastomeric membranes. On the other hand, it’s well known that numerous elastomeric membranes are sensitive to certain liquids. This sensitivity results in deterioration by swelling of the mechanical and physical properties of the material in contact with a liquid. In addition, recent studies have already validated the penetration of gold and titanium dioxide nanoparticles through some nitrile membranes.
The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of ENP, as well as additives present in the solutions, on the penetration process of the liquid carrier (water). It will be also assessed the kinetic properties of penetration of the solutions through the elastomeric membrane structure.
Gravimetric technique was chosen as the main method quantified swelling phenomena and evaluate equilibrium and kinetic properties. The dynamic liquid uptake measurements were undertaken on gold nanoparticles (5 nm and 50 nm in diameter) in aqueous solutions in contact with elastomeric material. Swelling tests were also conducted with MilliQ water and filtrates (solution in which only the ENP were extracted). Indeed, additives, usually added as stabilizers to avoid ENP agglomeration in the liquid carrier, can impact significantly the swelling of the nitrile sample.
Results showed that the diffusion coefficients of the three solutions of ENP are almost identical. However, it should be noted that these coefficients are notably higher for the filtrates, which underscore the effect of the ENP on the liquid penetration process as well as the influence of additives and stabilizers on the penetration of ENP through the membrane structure. These findings allow better understanding of ENP diffusion phenomenon through elastomeric structure and show the influence the elements composing the colloidal solution on the penetration phenomena.