Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Chemical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Jamie Hestekin

Abstract

TEMPO modified nanocellulose membranes are utilized across various laboratory and industrial applications from protein purification to advancements in kidney dialysis. This study investigates the effect of varying coagulation temperatures on the morphology and transport properties of these membranes to enhance their performance for targeted filtration. It was hypothesized that higher temperatures would accelerate the solvent-nonsolvent exchange during phase inversion, resulting in larger pore structures. Conversely, lower temperatures were expected to slow solvent diffusion, yielding smaller, more uniform pores. The membranes[JH1]  were synthesized using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl (TEMPO) to improve selectivity and antifouling characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) served as the primary characterization method, supplemented by Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) rejection experiments to validate the findings. Preliminary results suggest that lower temperatures during phase inversion led to smaller, more uniform pore morphology and therefore increased selectivity. By understanding how varying temperatures affect membrane morphology, researchers can more effectively tailor membrane casting techniques to suit specific experimental needs.

Keywords

membranes, materials science, chemical engineering

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