Surface Energy-Level Tuning of Silver Nanoparticles for Facilitated Olefin Transport

Abstract

Calling the tune : High positive surface charges induced by tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) allow tuning of the energy levels of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through an interface dipole (see picture). Facilitated transport membranes containing AgNPs with TCNQ dispersed in poly(vinylpyrrolidone) show high mixed?gas selectivity for the separation of olefin/paraffin mixtures.