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Pablo Villanueva Perez

Senior lecturer

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Towards multiscale X-ray tomographic imaging in membrane science : A perspective

Author

  • Gregor Rudolph-Schöpping
  • Emanuel Larsson
  • Torben Nilsson Pingel
  • Manuel Guizar-Sicairos
  • Pablo Villanueva-Perez
  • Stephen Hall
  • Frank Lipnizki

Summary, in English

Tomographic X-ray imaging techniques offer novel opportunities for studying membranes and membrane processes in 3D on a spatial resolution not seen before. Traditional 2D imaging techniques used to characterise membranes have limitations that can be overcome by tomographic X-ray imaging. Tomographic X-ray imaging can provide information in 2D/3D or 4D (3D plus time) on membranes, membrane modules, and membrane processes on a scale ranging from micro- to nanometre. They offer the possibility to uncover many fundamental issues related to membrane science, including the detection and monitoring of macroscopic biofilm formation, scaling, and cake build-up. High-resolution nanotomographic X-ray imaging enables even microscopic characterisations such as pore size distribution or pore network analysis. This Perspective paper introduces the tomographic X-ray imaging techniques with the most potential for membrane science: microtomography, nanotomography, holotomography, and ptychotomography, and presents their applications in the literature regarding the field of membrane science. Based on these findings and our experiences opportunities, challenges, and limitations of tomographic X-ray imaging techniques are discussed. It is concluded that in the near future tomographic X-ray imaging techniques will become increasingly common analytical techniques for membrane manufacturers, scientists, and users.

Department/s

  • LINXS - Institute of advanced Neutron and X-ray Science
  • Division of Chemical Engineering
  • LUNARC, Centre for Scientific and Technical Computing at Lund University
  • MAX IV Laboratory
  • Solid Mechanics
  • LU Profile Area: Light and Materials
  • LTH Profile Area: Photon Science and Technology
  • LTH Profile Area: Nanoscience and Semiconductor Technology
  • NanoLund: Centre for Nanoscience
  • LTH Profile Area: Water
  • LTH Profile Area: The Energy Transition

Publishing year

2024

Language

English

Publication/Series

Journal of Membrane Science

Volume

690

Document type

Journal article review

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Biophysics

Keywords

  • Holotomography
  • Membrane characterisation
  • Microtomography
  • Nanotomography
  • Ptychotomography

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0376-7388