Robust and Large-Area Calix[4]pyrrole-Based Nanofilms Enabled by Air/DMSO Interfacial Self-Assembly-Confined...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Large-area, defect-free nanofilms are crucial for advanced separation technologies but challenging to produce.
• Existing methods often struggle with scalability and film integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable strategy for constructing large-area, defect-free calix[4]pyrrole (C[4]P)-based nanofilms.
• To investigate the properties and potential applications of these novel nanofilms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an acryl hydrazone reaction on a tetrahydrazide calix[4]pyrrole (CPTH) self-assembled layer at the air/DMSO interface.
• Fabricated robust, regenerable nanofilms with areas up to ~750 cm².
• Tunable film thickness and permeability by adjusting precursor concentration or building blocks.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the construction of defect-free nanofilms with exceptional area and robustness.
• A typical C[4]P-TFB nanofilm (~67 nm) exhibited high water flux (39.9 L m⁻² h⁻¹) and a narrow molecular weight cut-off (~200 Da).
• The nanofilms showed promising antifouling properties, stability across a wide pH range, and tolerance to organic solvents.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy enables scalable production of high-performance C[4]P-based nanofilms.
• These nanofilms possess unique mechanical properties and selective separation capabilities suitable for wastewater treatment and pharmaceutical concentration.
• This work lays the foundation for advanced separation applications using functionalized calix[4]pyrrole materials.