Carbon Nanotubes, New Material for Purification of Water-Ethanol Mixtures from Isomers of Propanol

摘要

The possibility of purification of water-ethanol mixtures from the unwanted admixtures of higher alcohol, in particular, of the isomeric propanols, with the help of carbon nanomaterial is discussed. Results of quantum-chemical calculations of n-propanol and isopropanol on the surface of the single-walled carbon nanotube of the "armchair" type are presented. Investigations are carried out within the frame of model of molecular cluster using semi-empirical quantum chemical MNDO method. The possibility of adsorption of molecules of propanol isomers on the outer surface of nanotubes of small diameter as well the absence of adsorption of ethanol molecules on them is shown. It indicates the possibility of selective sorption with carbon nanotubes. Main geometric, electronic, and energy characteristics of obtained adsorption complexes are evaluated. A conclusion is made on the possibility to use carbon nanotubes for superfine purification of water-ethanol mixtures from the unwanted admixtures of n- and isopropanol.