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- Falciani, Gabriele, et al.
(author)
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A novel concept of photosynthetic soft membranes : a numerical study
- 2023
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In: DISCOVER NANO. - : Springer Nature. - 2731-9229. ; 18:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We focus on a novel concept of photosynthetic soft membranes, possibly able to allow the conversion of solar energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) into green fuels. The considered membranes rely on self-assembled functional molecules in the form of soap films. We elaborate a multi-scale and multi-physics model to describe the relevant phenomena, investigating the expected performance of a single soft photosynthetic membrane. First, we present a macroscale continuum model, which accounts for the transport of gaseous and ionic species within the soap film, the chemical equilibria and the two involved photocatalytic half reactions of the CO2 reduction and water oxidation at the two gas-surfactant-water interfaces of the soap film. Second, we introduce a mesoscale discrete Monte Carlo model, to deepen the investigation of the structure of the functional monolayers. Finally, the morphological information obtained at the mesoscale is integrated into the continuum model in a multi-scale framework. The developed tools are then used to perform sensitivity studies in a wide range of possible experimental conditions, to provide scenarios on fuel production by such a novel approach.
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| 2. |
- Falciani, Gabriele, et al.
(author)
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Design and testing of a device for the characterization of gas transfer through soap films and measurement protocol based on color matching
- 2023
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In: International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer. - : Elsevier. - 0735-1933 .- 1879-0178. ; 149
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Soap films are interesting for their potential utilization as soft, self-assembled, self-healing and possibly recyclable membranes. The intrinsic possibility of tuning their properties, such as e.g. surface and bulk elasticity or permeability, via tailored chemistry makes them flexible enough for a wide range of physical-chemical applications. Here we introduce a novel device that can serve as a research platform for the detailed experimental characterization of the soap film permeability to gases. The design and manufacturing of the novel platform are discussed, along with a sample characterization protocol based on a color-matching procedure for dioxygen diffusion through typical soap films. The experimental data is compared with the results obtained from a numerical model, specifically developed for the problem, and good agreement is found. In perspective, the proposed platform can serve for the precise characterization of gas transfer properties of soap films made from different surfactant mixtures and in the presence of different gases.
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