Widening CO2-facilitated transport passageways in SPEEK matrix using polymer brushes functionalized double-shelled organic submicrocapsules for efficient gas separation

Fundamentals and Applications of Polymer Brushes in Air

For several decades, high-density, end-tethered polymers, forming so-called polymer brushes, have inspired scientists to understand their properties and to translate them to applications. While earlier research focused on polymer brushes in liquids, it was recently recognized that these brushes can find application in air as well. In this review, we report on recent progress in unraveling fundamental concepts of brushes in air, such as their vapor-swelling and solvent partitioning. Moreover, we provide an overview of the plethora of applications in air (e.g., in sensing, separations or smart adhesives) where brushes can be key components. To conclude, we provide an outlook by identifying open questions and issues that, when solved, will pave the way for the large scale application of brushes in air.

Efficient CO2 Separation of Multi-Permselective Mixed Matrix Membranes with a Unique Interfacial Structure Regulated by Mesoporous Nanosheets

A facile strategy to elevate gas separation performances of polymers is to introduce a versatile particle. In this study, the novel F-Ce nanosheets are synthesized, and then F-Ce is functionalized with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole thiocyanate (ionic liquids, ILs), obtaining multifunctional f-F-Ce nanosheets by the facile and environment-friendly methods. The multifunctional f-F-Ce nanosheets are incorporated into the Pebax (Pebax 1657) matrix to fabricate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for efficient CO₂ separation. The f-F-Ce nanosheets play versatile parts in elevating membrane gas separation performance. On the one hand, f-F-Ce tends to arrange horizontally and constructs a unique interfacial structure for cross-layer CO₂ transport in MMMs. On the other hand, the abundant mesopores from f-F-Ce construct high-speed CO₂ transport channels in MMMs and notably elevate the gas permeability. Moreover, the as-prepared MMMs separate CO₂ efficiently due to the comprehensive improvements of diffusivity selectivity, solubility selectivity, and reactivity selectivity. First, the high aspect ratio of f-F-Ce provides the tortuous pathways for gas transport and generates the rigid interface between the Pebax matrix and f-F-Ce nanosheets, increasing the diffusivity selectivity. Second, SCN^- groups from ILs show excellent affinity to CO₂, enhancing the solubility selectivity. Third, amine groups from ILs with abundant methylimidazole generate reversible reaction with CO₂ to elevate reactivity selectivity. Consequently, the f-F-Ce-doped MMMs display excellent CO₂ permeability and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity. In particular, the MMM incorporated with 8 wt % f-F-Ce displays a CO₂ permeability of 1823 Barrer and a CO₂/CH₄ selectivity of 35, overcoming the Robeson upper bound line (2008).

Hot-Pressing Method To Prepare Imidazole-Based Zn(II) Metal-Organic Complexes Coatings for Highly Efficient Air Filtration

Particulate matters (PMs) air pollution has become a serious environmental issue due to its great threat to human health. Herein, metal-organic complexes PBM-Zn1 and PBM-Zn2 coatings (noted as PBM-Zn-Filter) have been produced by the hot-pressing method on various substrates for the first time. Layer-by-layer PBM-Zn-Filters were also obtained through varying hot-pressing cycles. The obtained PBM-Zn-Filters with high robustness show excellent performance in PMs removal. In particular, benefiting from thelarger conjugation system, micropore structure, lower pressure drop, higher electrostatic potential ζ, and electron cloud exposed metal center of PBM-Zn2 (DFT calculations), PBM-Zn2@melamine foam-4 gives the highest removal rates, PM2.5:99.5% ± 1.2% and PM10:99.3% ± 1.1%, and the removal efficiency for capture PM2.5 and PM10 particles in cigarette smoke were both retained at high levels (>95.5%) after 24 h tests. More importantly, a homemade mask is made up by imbedding the PBM-Zn2@melamine foam-4 into a commercial breathing mask, which shows higher removal efficiency, lower pressure drop, smaller thickness, and higher quality factor than two commercial breathing masks, the PMs removal efficiencies for both PM2.5 and PM10 are 99.6% ± 0.5% and 99.4% ± 0.8%, and acceptable air resistance are demonstrated.