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Simon A, Zhang Z, Abetz C, Abetz V, Segal-Peretz T. Atomic layer deposition enables multi-modal three-dimensional electron microscopy of isoporous membranes. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:3219-3229. [PMID: 36722895 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05477a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymers (BCPs) are promising materials for water purification. They enable the fabrication of integral asymmetric isoporous membranes with high permeability and good selectivity. Commonly, the characterization of such hierarchical structures is performed by conventional electron microscopy (EM) means, namely scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively). However, due to the inherent lack of contrast between BCP domains, external contrast agents are required to achieve informative, high-resolution imaging. In addition, such EM techniques are typically limited to a certain cross-section or surface morphology only. In this paper, we harness the selective growth of AlOx in the pore-forming domains of BCPs to create an internal and stable contrast difference between the blocks. This in turn allowed us to perform advanced three-dimensional characterization of the membranes with focused ion beam (FIB)-SEM and TEM tomography, providing an understanding of the 3D structure and properties such as 3D geometry of the pores, 3D tortuosity, and 3D permeability. This 3D characterization also provides better correlations between the membrane structure and its performance. Such knowledge can allow better design and fine-tuning of BCP membranes and other membranes for their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Simon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion, Haifa-3200003, Israel.
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str.1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
| | - Clarissa Abetz
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str.1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
| | - Volker Abetz
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str.1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
- Universität Hamburg, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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Plank M, Frieß FV, Bitsch CV, Pieschel J, Reitenbach J, Gallei M. Modular Synthesis of Functional Block Copolymers by Thiol–Maleimide “Click” Chemistry for Porous Membrane Formation. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Plank
- Ernst-Berl Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Florian Volker Frieß
- Chair in Polymer Chemistry, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Carina Vera Bitsch
- Ernst-Berl Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jens Pieschel
- Chair in Polymer Chemistry, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Julija Reitenbach
- Ernst-Berl Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Markus Gallei
- Chair in Polymer Chemistry, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Saarene, Saarland Center for Energy Materials and Sustainability, Campus C4 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
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3
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Zhang Z, Chen C, Zhang S, Ye X, Zhou J, Wang Y. Large-area homoporous membranes (HOMEs) enabled by multiple annealing. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.121021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Zhang Z, Rahman MM, Bajer B, Scharnagl N, Abetz V. Highly selective isoporous block copolymer membranes with tunable polyelectrolyte brushes in soft nanochannels. J Memb Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Zhang Z, Simon A, Abetz C, Held M, Höhme AL, Schneider ES, Segal-Peretz T, Abetz V. Hybrid Organic-Inorganic-Organic Isoporous Membranes with Tunable Pore Sizes and Functionalities for Molecular Separation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2105251. [PMID: 34580938 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202105251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Accomplishing on-demand molecular separation with a high selectivity and good permeability is very desirable for pollutant removal and chemical and pharmaceutical processing. The major challenge for sub-10 nm filtration of particles and molecules is the fabrication of high-performance membranes with tunable pore size and designed functionality. Here, a versatile top-down approach is demonstrated to produce such a membrane using isoporous block copolymer membranes with well-defined pore sizes combined with growth of metal oxide using sequential infiltration synthesis and atomic layer deposition (SIS and ALD). The pore size of the membranes is tuned by controlled metal oxide growth within and onto the polymer channels, enabling up to twofold pore diameter reduction. Following the growth, the distinct functionalities are readily incorporated along the membrane nanochannels with either hydrophobic, cationic, or anionic groups via straightforward and scalable gas/liquid-solid interface reactions. The hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the membrane nanochannel is significantly changed by the introduction of hydrophilic metal oxide and hydrophobic fluorinated groups. The functionalized membranes exhibit a superior selectivity and permeability in separating 1-2 nm organic molecules and fractionating similar-sized proteins based on size, charge, and hydrophobicity. This demonstrates the great potential of organic-inorganic-organic isoporous membranes for high-performance molecular separation in numerous applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhang
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Assaf Simon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Clarissa Abetz
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Martin Held
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Anke-Lisa Höhme
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Erik S Schneider
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Tamar Segal-Peretz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Volker Abetz
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Universität Hamburg, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
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Robertson M, Zhou Q, Ye C, Qiang Z. Developing Anisotropy in Self-Assembled Block Copolymers: Methods, Properties, and Applications. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100300. [PMID: 34272778 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymers (BCPs) self-assembly has continually attracted interest as a means to provide bottom-up control over nanostructures. While various methods have been demonstrated for efficiently ordering BCP nanodomains, most of them do not generically afford control of nanostructural orientation. For many applications of BCPs, such as energy storage, microelectronics, and separation membranes, alignment of nanodomains is a key requirement for enabling their practical use or enhancing materials performance. This review focuses on summarizing research progress on the development of anisotropy in BCP systems, covering a variety of topics from established aligning techniques, resultant material properties, and the associated applications. Specifically, the significance of aligning nanostructures and the anisotropic properties of BCPs is discussed and highlighted by demonstrating a few promising applications. Finally, the challenges and outlook are presented to further implement aligned BCPs into practical nanotechnological applications, where exciting opportunities exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Robertson
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA
| | - Qingya Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Changhuai Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhe Qiang
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA
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Rahman MM. Selective Swelling and Functionalization of Integral Asymmetric Isoporous Block Copolymer Membranes. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100235. [PMID: 34057263 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
SNIPS stands for a membrane fabrication technique that combines the evaporation induced self-assembly of the block copolymers and the classical nonsolvent induced phase separation. It is a one-step readily scalable technique to fabricate integral asymmetric isoporous membranes. The prominent developments in the last decade have carved out a niche for SNIPS as a potential technique to fabricate next generation isoporous membranes. In the last decade, a rich polymer library and variety of membrane postmodification routes have been successfully implemented to fabricate SNIPS membranes having the desired pore functionality. Some of these membranes form soft nanochannels in hydrated state due to swelling of the pore wall, i.e., the pore forming block of the block copolymer. These membranes having soft nanochannels have demonstrated the potential to perform several challenging separation tasks in ultrafiltration and nanofiltration. This paper highlights the currently accessible pore functionality, the strategies to tune the swelling of the soft nanochannels, the potential applications, and future perspectives of these membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mushfequr Rahman
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Membrane Research, Max-Planck-Straße 1, Geesthacht, 21502, Germany
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Yu J, Di S, Yu H, Ning T, Yang H, Zhu S. Insights into the structure-performance relationships of extraction materials in sample preparation for chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1637:461822. [PMID: 33360779 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Sample preparation is one of the most crucial steps in analytical processes. Commonly used methods, including solid-phase extraction, dispersive solid-phase extraction, dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction, and solid-phase microextraction, greatly depend on the extraction materials. In recent decades, a vast number of materials have been studied and used in sample preparation for chromatography. Due to the unique structural properties, extraction materials significantly improve the performance of extraction devices. Endowing extraction materials with suitable structural properties can shorten the pretreatment process and improve the extraction efficiency and selectivity. To understand the structure-performance relationships of extraction materials, this review systematically summarizes the structural properties, including the pore size, pore shape, pore volume, accessibility of active sites, specific surface area, functional groups and physicochemical properties. The mechanisms by which the structural properties influence the extraction performance are also elucidated in detail. Finally, three principles for the design and synthesis of extraction materials are summarized. This review can provide systematic guidelines for synthesizing extraction materials and preparing extraction devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Siyuan Di
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Tao Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Hucheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China
| | - Shukui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, P. R. China.
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Bucher T, Clodt JI, Abetz C, Bajer B, Filiz V. Spraying of Ultrathin Isoporous Block Copolymer Membranes-A Story about Challenges and Limitations. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:E404. [PMID: 33297532 PMCID: PMC7762335 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10120404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Isoporous membranes can be prepared by a combination of self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers and the non-solvent induced phase separation process. As the general doctor-blade technique suffers from high consumption of expensive block copolymer, other methods to reduce its concentration in the casting solution are sought after. Decreasing the block copolymer concentration during membrane casting and applying the block copolymer solution on a support membrane to obtain ultrathin isoporous membrane layers with e.g., spraying techniques, can be an answer. In this work we focused on the question if upscaling of thin block copolymer membranes produced by spraying techniques is feasible. To upscale the spray coating process, three different approaches were pursued, namely air-brush, 1-fluid nozzles and 2-fluid nozzles as generally used in the coating industry. The different spraying systems were implemented successfully in a membrane casting machine. Thinking about future development of isoporous block copolymer membranes in application it was significant that a continuous preparation process can be realised combining spraying of thin layers and immersion of the thin block copolymer layers in water to ensure phase-separation. The system was tested using a solution of polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) diblock copolymer. A detailed examination of the spray pattern and its homogeneity was carried out. The limitations of this method are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana Isabel Clodt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Polymer Research, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; (T.B.); (C.A.); (B.B.); (V.F.)
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