Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
10:19
Three-Dimensionally Printed Microfluidic Cross-flow System for Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration Membrane Performance Testing
Published on: February 13, 2016
11.7K
New Method toward a Robust Covalently Attached Cross-Linked Nanofiltration Membrane
Nikos Kyriakou1, Renaud B Merlet1, Joshua D Willott2
1Inorganic Membranes, Membrane Science and Technology Cluster, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 25, 2020
Summary
A novel click chemistry method fabricates robust, ultrathin nanofiltration membranes with excellent chemical and thermal stability. This green approach offers high retention performance for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Membrane Technology
Background:
- Growing demand for diverse nanofiltration applications necessitates advanced membrane fabrication methods.
- Existing methods often involve harsh solvents and limited chemical/thermal stability.
- Need for robust, high-performance membranes with improved fabrication processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt thio-bromo "click" chemistry for fabricating robust, ultrathin nanofiltration membranes.
- To develop a novel, green liquid-vapor interfacial polymerization method for membrane synthesis.
- To evaluate the chemical, thermal stability, and retention performance of the fabricated membranes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized thio-bromo "click" chemistry for covalent attachment of the selective layer.
- Employed a liquid-vapor interfacial polymerization on a pre-functionalized ceramic support.
- Characterized membrane properties using physicochemical analysis, stability tests, and permeability measurements.
Main Results:
- Fabricated a robust, covalently attached, ultrathin nanofiltration membrane selective layer.
- Demonstrated excellent stability in various solvents (water, ethanol, non-polar) and up to 150 °C.
- Achieved a molecular weight cut-off of approximately 700 g mol⁻¹ in PEG-in-water, with high dye retention.
Conclusions:
- The thio-bromo click chemistry approach provides a green and efficient method for fabricating stable nanofiltration membranes.
- The developed membranes exhibit high retention performance and stability, suitable for diverse nanofiltration applications.
- This method offers an alternative to conventional interfacial polymerization, reducing solvent usage and reagent quantities.
