Template pressure-filter

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous ceramic with high LR ion conductivity was prepared by colloidal crystal templating method using monodispersed polystyrene beads [12]. Monodispersed polystyrene beads with 3 pm diameter were dispersed in water and then filtrated by using a membrane filter under a small pressure difference. After this treatment, polystyrene beads were accumulated on the membrane filter with closed pack structure, as shown in Fig. 4.2. Then, the membrane consisting of accumulated polystyrene beads was removed from the membrane filter and put on a glass substrate. After drying at room temperature, the... 

This transmembrane conductivity method is a two-point measurement. Contact resistance is always a worry with such measurements indeed, we must apply substantial pressure across the membrane (7 x 10 psi) to obtain reproducible resistance data [15]. We recently developed a method for forming thin films from our template-synthesized nanostructures [16,44]. This has allowed us to make four-point conductivity measurements on these nanomaterials (without applying pressure during the measurement). The thin films are prepared by dissolving the template membrane, collecting the conductive polymer nanofibrils or nanotubules by filtration to form a film across the surface of the filter, and then compacting this film in an IR pellet press [16,44]. 

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