1
|
Blagojevic N, Das S, Xie J, Dreyer O, Radjabian M, Held M, Abetz V, Müller M. Toward Predicting the Formation of Integral-Asymmetric, Isoporous Diblock Copolymer Membranes. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2404560. [PMID: 39206611 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The self-assembly and nonsolvent-induced phase separation (SNIPS) process of block copolymers and solvents enables the fabrication of integral-asymmetric, isoporous membranes. An isoporous top layer is formed by evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) and imparts selectivity for ultrafiltration of functional macromolecules or water purification. This selective layer is supported by a macroporous bottom structure that is formed by nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) providing mechanical stability. Thereby the permeability/selectivity tradeoff is optimized. The SNIPS fabrication involves various physical phenomena-e.g., evaporation, self-assembly, macrophase separation, vitrification - and multiple structural, thermodynamic, kinetic, and process parameters. Optimizing membrane properties and rationally designing fabrication processes is a challenge which particle simulation can significantly contribute to. Using large-scale particle simulations, it is observed that 1) a small incompatibility between matrix-forming block of the copolymer and nonsolvent, 2) a glassy arrest that occurs at a smaller polymer concentration, or 3) a higher dynamical contrast between polymer and solvent results in a finer, spongy substructure, whereas the opposite parameter choice gives rise to larger macropores with an elongated shape. These observations are confirmed by comparison to experiments on polystyrene (PS)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) diblock copolymer membranes, varying the chemical nature of the coagulant or the temperature of coagulation bath.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Blagojevic
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg August University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shibananda Das
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg August University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jiayu Xie
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg August University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Dreyer
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maryam Radjabian
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Held
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Abetz
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Grindelallee 117, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Müller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg August University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Filice S, Scuderi V, Scalese S. Sulfonated Pentablock Copolymer (Nexar TM) for Water Remediation and Other Applications. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2009. [PMID: 39065326 PMCID: PMC11280590 DOI: 10.3390/polym16142009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the use of a sulfonated pentablock copolymer commercialized as NexarTM in water purification applications. The properties and the use of sulfonated copolymers, in general, and of NexarTM, in particular, are described within a brief reference focusing on the problem of different water contaminants, purification technologies, and the use of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for water treatment. In addition to desalination and pervaporation processes, adsorption and photocatalytic processes are also considered here. The reported results confirm the possibility of using NexarTM as a matrix for embedded nanoparticles, exploiting their performance in adsorption and photocatalytic processes and preventing their dispersion in the environment. Furthermore, the reported antimicrobial and antibiofouling properties of NexarTM make it a promising material for achieving active coatings that are able to enhance commercial filter lifetime and performance. The coated filters show selective and efficient removal of cationic contaminants in filtration processes, which is not observed with a bare commercial filter. The UV surface treatment and/or the addition of nanostructures such as graphene oxide (GO) flakes confer NexarTM with coating additional functionalities and activity. Finally, other application fields of this polymer are reported, i.e., energy and/or gas separation, suggesting its possible use as an efficient and economical alternative to the more well-known Nafion polymer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Filice
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Microelettronica e Microsistemi (CNR-IMM), Ottava Strada n.5, 95121 Catania, Italy;
| | | | - Silvia Scalese
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Microelettronica e Microsistemi (CNR-IMM), Ottava Strada n.5, 95121 Catania, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Appold M, Rangou S, Glass S, Lademann B, Filiz V. Enhanced UV Penetration and Cross-Linking of Isoporous Block Copolymer and Commercial Ultrafiltration Membranes using Isorefractive Solvent. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2403288. [PMID: 38946670 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Amphiphilic block copolymers are promising candidates for the fabrication of ultrafiltration membranes with an isoporous integral asymmetric structure. The membranes are typically fabricated by the combination of block copolymer self-assembly and the non-solvent-induced phase separation (SNIPS) process resulting in isoporous integral asymmetric membranes. Certainly, all these membranes lack thermal and chemical stability limiting the usage of such materials. Within this study, the fabrication of completely cross-linked isoporous integral asymmetric block copolymer membranes is demonstrated by UV cross-linking resulting in chemical and thermal stable ultrafiltration membranes. The UV cross-linking process of PVBCB-b-P4VP (poly(4-vinylbenzocyclobutene)-b-poly(4vinylpyridine)) block copolymer membranes in dependency of irradiation time, intensity, distance between membrane and UV source and the wavelength is investigated. Furthermore, it is shown that the penetration depths can be increased by soaking the membranes in wave-guiding solutions before UV cross-linking is carried out. Moreover, a completely new and easy cross-linking strategy is developed based on isorefractive solvents resulting in thermal and chemically stable membranes that are cross-linked through the whole membrane thickness. Finally, the new cross-linking strategy in isorefractive solutions is transferred to commercial PVDF and PAN-co-PVC polymer membranes paving the way for more stable and sustainable ultrafiltration membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Appold
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str.1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Sofia Rangou
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str.1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Sarah Glass
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str.1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Brigitte Lademann
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str.1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Volkan Filiz
- Institute of Membrane Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str.1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jayachitra R, Lincy V, Prasannan A, Nimita Jebaranjitham J, Sangaraju S, Hong PD. Tailored fabrication of biodegradable polymer/ Fe 3O 4 doped WO 3 nano star-based porous membrane with enhanced photo fentonic activity for environmental remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118262. [PMID: 38280523 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The accelerated development of special-wetting polymeric materials with hierarchical pores for membrane applications is crucial to effectively separating water-soluble and insoluble pollutants, such as oily wastewater, emulsion, organic pollutants, and heavy metals. This pressing environmental and socioeconomic issue requires the implementation of effective remediation technologies. In this study, we successfully fabricated an environmentally friendly membrane with a flexible property by combining biopolymers and magnetic nanohybrids of iron oxide (Fe3O4)-doped tungsten oxide (WO3) through a thermal-induced phase separation process (TIPS). The resulting membrane exhibited a well-defined 3D-interconnected porous network structure when blending poly (ε-caprolactone)/poly (D,L-lactide) (PCL)/(PDLLA) in an 8:2 volume ratio. The Fe3O4@WO3 nanohybrids were synthesized using a hydrothermal process, resulting in a star-shaped morphology from the sea urchin-like WO3 clusters, which showed great potential to efficiently separate water/oil contamination and facilitate visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes (MB, Rh B, BY, and CR) and photoreduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)). The obtained PCL/PDLLA/Fe3O4@WO3 nanocomposite membrane demonstrated hydrophobic properties, showing a water contact angle of 95 ± 2° and an excellent oil adsorption capacity of ∼4-4.5 g/g without fouling. The interconnected porous structure of the composite membrane enabled the efficient separation of emulsions (≥99.4 %) and achieved a high permeation flux of up to 1524 L m-2 h-1 under gravity separation. Overall, we obtained a novel high-performance composite material with specialized wetting properties, offering significant potential for effectively removing insoluble and soluble organic contaminants from wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravichandran Jayachitra
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, 106335, Taiwan
| | - Varghese Lincy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, 106335, Taiwan; Universidad Politecnica Taiwán Paraguay (UPTP), Paraguay
| | - Adhimoorthy Prasannan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, 106335, Taiwan.
| | - J Nimita Jebaranjitham
- P.G. Department of Chemistry, Women's Christian College (An Autonomous Institution Affiliated to University of Madras), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sambasivam Sangaraju
- National Water and Energy Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Po-Da Hong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, 106335, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu X, Liu S, Liu X, Yu J, Ding B. Engineering self-assembled 2D nano-network membranes through hierarchical phase separation for efficient air filtration. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 657:463-471. [PMID: 38070332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution has garnered significant worldwide attention; however, the existing air filtration materials still suffer from issues related to monotonous structure and the inherent trade-off between PM rejection and air permeability. Herein, a spider web-inspired composite membrane with continuous monolayer structured 2D nano-networks tightly welded on nanofibers in the electrospun membrane scaffold is designed via a hierarchical phase separation strategy. The resultant biomimetic hierarchical-structured membranes possess the integrated features of hierarchical multiscale structures of 2D ultrafine networks composed of nanowires with a diameter of 31 nm self-assembled by nanoparticles, exceptional characteristics involving small average aperture, extremely low network thickness, high porosity and promising pore channel connectivity, combined with rich surface polar functional groups (3.02D dipole moment). Consequently, the composite membrane exhibits a high PM0.3 capture efficiency of 99.6 % and low pressure drop of 58.8 Pa, less than 0.06 % of atmosphere pressure, with outstanding long-term PM2.5 recycling filtration performance. The hierarchical phase separation-driven 2D nano-networks construction strategy, by virtue of their feasibility and tunability, holds great promise for widespread application across diverse membrane-related domains for air filtration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Shude Liu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China.
| | - Jianyong Yu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China
| | - Bin Ding
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai 200051, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Erukhimovich IY, Kriksin YA, Kudryavtsev YV. The permeability of diamond and other microphase-separated morphologies in copolymer films. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1846-1857. [PMID: 38315079 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01532g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
A method is proposed for the theoretical assessment of potential membrane properties in materials based on microphase-separated block copolymer films subjected to the etching of one of the components. The concepts of topological permeability and connectivity contrast introduced by the authors are used to compare the percolation characteristics of simple cubic, diamond, and diamond-like morphologies compatible with the slit geometry and specified by a given distribution of the order parameter. The diamond-like morphology, which has the most promising transport characteristics, can be formed in a thin film of diblock copolymer AB placed on a chemically structured substrate. For this case, the quantitative analysis of permeability for certain parameters of the model system is carried out using the local distribution of A and B units calculated with the self-consistent field theory of microphase separation. The results obtained may be useful for the design of isoporous membranes based on block copolymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Ya Erukhimovich
- Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr. 29, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova st. 28, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yury A Kriksin
- Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr. 29, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miusskaya sq. 4, Moscow, 125047, Russia
| | - Yaroslav V Kudryavtsev
- Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr. 29, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr. 31, Moscow, 119071, Russia
- ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Paris, 75005, France
| |
Collapse
|