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Adsorption
kinetics and
diffusion of gases on nanotube bundles
Dr.
Mercedes Calbi
Since
carbon nanotubes were discovered, the possibility of adsorbing gases on
their inner or outer surfaces has been a subject of active research
within the surface science community. The unique geometry of this
substrate is responsible for many novel and exciting adsorption
properties, including the possibility of realizing new phases of matter
and phase transitions. In addition several practical applications of
carbon nanotubes to the field of gas storage and gas separation have
been proposed.
Two questions are the central theme of this project: 1) How fast do
particles adsorb on the different adsorption sites of a carbon nanotube
bundle; and 2) How do the adsorbed particles move on the surfaces of a
bundle? The ultimate goal suggested by these questions is to obtain a
unified picture of gas diffusion and adsorption/desorption kinetics in
the whole bundle.
REU students will use a combination of theoretical models with computer
simulations to investigate the adsorption kinetics and diffusion of CF4
on the external surface of a bundle. This study is prompted by recent
measurements in the Migone group (SIUC-physics)xix and one of the main
objectives is to compare the adsorption rates as a function of coverage
with the experimental results. The opportunity to produce theoretical
results in direct connection with experimental data will offer an
exciting research experience and provide motivation for REU students to
pursue future graduate studies. REU students will learn various
research skills including important computational techniques that are
of common use in condensed matter physics.
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