Water vapor transport in carbon nanotube membranes and application in breathable and protective fabrics

Membranes that selectively block or permeate water vapor find application in dehydration of gaseous streams, pervaporation, humidity control in buildings, protection of moisture sensitive electronics, and in breathable fabrics for environmental protective clothing. Many of these application areas could benefit from the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into membrane materials. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of carbon nanotubes to enable ultrafast water vapor diffusion through their inner volume, as well as to promote dehumidification of gas streams flowing through their interstitial spaces. Membranes with porosity solely made of the inner channels of carbon nanotubes are especially promising for the development of next generation protective garments because enable a long-sought-after combination of outstanding breathability with protection.