Materials

Porous nanocrystalline silicon (pnc-Si) is the molecularly thin nanoporous membrane material that started it all, but NRG scientists now make a variety of materials including microporous and nonporous membranes. The common characteristics of our materials is that they are free-standing, inorganic, and have nanoscale thickness.

Properties

Utrathin membranes are exceptionally permeable to gases, fluids, and diffusing species. The physical characteristics of our materials such as pore sizes, thickness, and surface charge, are readily obtained through measurements. The membranes are surprisingly robust and the silicon platform enables device integration and scalable manufacturing.

Applications

Our membranes have been used as cell culture substrates, as chemical sensors, and as separation tools for nanoparticles and biological materials. We are now integrating membranes into devices that combine microfluidics, electronics, and sensors. We are also developing high area membranes for applications in dialysis and membrane arrays.