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Abstract

A nanoporous tubular filter having a membrane comprising a network of generally branched pores formed by anodization of a section of metal tubing. The network extends from an inner wall of the filter to and through an outer exposed wall area of the membrane, and has a first layer of pores with a diameter greater than that of pores of an adjacent second layer. Further, the network is integral with an outer support matrix having been formed of an outer wall of the section of tubing by removing selected portions of the outer wall, thus leaving the exposed wall area of the membrane. The outer support matrix corresponds with a patterned area formed of an external-coat applied to the tubing's outer wall. An electroplating of a magnetostrictive material deposited on the outer support matrix or on an interior surface is adapted for use as a diffusion ON-OFF switch. The filter is adaptable for use as a hydrogen reactor whereby an electroplating of a catalyst material is deposited on at least a portion of the filter's inner wall. Also, a method for producing a nanoporous tubular filter that includes the steps of: applying an external-coat to an exterior surface of an outer wall of a section of metal tubing; anodizing the section of tubing at a first voltage for a first time-period then at a second voltage for a second time-period, a membrane produced thereby comprising a network of generally branched pores; and forming a patterned area to cover that portion of the outer wall that will form an outer support matrix.

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First Claim