Application of Responsive Lamellar Membranes of Layered Materials for Microdroplet Handling, Sensing, and Energy Harvesting

Abstract

This thesis explores the development and application of advanced bilayer membranes and nanomaterials for precise liquid manipulation, contaminant detection, remote handling of reactive substances, and sustainable energy harvesting. A hydrophobic r-GO/agar bilayer membrane, controlled by electrical potential and infrared light, was designed to handle microliter-scale droplets with ultrafast reaction capabilities and potential for efficient chemical analyses. The same r-GO/agar membrane demonstrated shape-morphing properties sensitive to chemical impurities in liquid media, enabling real-time detection of contaminants such as water in acetone or alcohol in toluene. To address the remote handling of toxic and reactive chemicals, CNT-VO (carbon nanotube-vanadium pentoxide) and o-CNT-VO bilayer actuators were developed with light- and voltage-responsive behaviour, enabling rapid and precise manipulation of hazardous substances, alongside sensory capabilities mimicking human touch. Lastly, a novel permselective nanofluidic membrane coated with functionalized vanadium pentoxide nanosheets was fabricated for concentration gradient-driven energy harvesting. By integrating vanadium pentoxide and polyaniline electrodes, the power output was enhanced by 300%, demonstrating a significant advancement in sustainable energy generation. These studies significantly contribute to the fields of liquid manipulation, environmental monitoring, remote chemical handling, and energy harvesting.