Porosity optimization of nanoscale membranes

Abstract

In this thesis fluid fluxes and electric charge fluxes as a result of a pressure gradient, electric field or salt concentration gradient, through a nanopore with a charged surface, are considered. It is found that the fluxes react linearly to the considered driving forces. Every driving force induces not only its conjugate flux but also all other Fluxes. By solving the Poisson-Nernst-Planck-Stokes equations numerically, fluxes as a result of salt concentration gradient driven flow through a chain of nanopores, a membrane, can be simulated. From these simulations an optimal geometry is found to maximixe the generated power per unit volume membrane.