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Synthesis of Hydrogels with Antifouling Properties As Membranes for Water Purification
Published on: April 7, 2017
Embedded polyzwitterionic brush-modified nanofibrous membrane through subsurface-initiated polymerization for highly
Lele Li1, Yangyang Xiang1, Wufang Yang2
1Key Laboratory of Eco-functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
This study developed a novel nanofibrous membrane with embedded polymer brushes for superior oil/water separation. The new membrane demonstrates exceptional durability and efficiency, overcoming challenges in current separation technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Environmental Engineering
Background:
- Developing efficient and stable membranes for oil/water separation is crucial.
- Existing polymer brush-modified membranes face challenges in separation efficiency and durability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a covalently embedded polyzwitterionic brush-functionalized nanofibrous membrane for enhanced oil/water separation.
- To investigate the hydration, oil adhesion, separation performance, and self-cleaning properties of the novel membrane.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning was used to prepare a nanofibrous membrane from initiator-embedded polyacrylonitrile (PAN) resin.
- Subsurface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SSI-ATRP) was employed to graft poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBMA) brushes.
- The prepared membrane (PAN-sg-PSBMA) was systematically evaluated for its properties.
Main Results:
- The PAN-sg-PSBMA membrane exhibited superior hydration and underwater superoleophobicity compared to conventional membranes.
- It achieved ultrahigh permeation flux and separation efficiency for oil/water mixtures and emulsions.
- The membrane demonstrated unprecedented recycling stability due to robust embedded brushes and antifouling properties.
Conclusions:
- Embedded polymer brushes synthesized via SSI-ATRP offer a promising strategy for designing high-performance nanofibrous membranes.
- This approach significantly improves separation efficiency and durability for oil/water applications.
- The developed membrane technology holds potential for addressing challenges in oil/water separation.
