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Published on: August 16, 2016
Voltage-Gated Membranes Incorporating Cucurbit[n]uril Molecular Containers for Molecular Nanofiltration
Yue Wang1, Rong-Zu Liang2, Tian-Zhi Jia1
1State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
Abstract:
Smart voltage-gated nanofiltration membranes have enormous potential for on-demand and precise separation of similar molecules, which is an essential element of sustainable water purification and resource recovery. However, the existing voltage-gated membranes are hampered by limited selectivity, stability, and scalability due to electroactive monomer dimerization. Here, for the first time, the host-guest recognition properties of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) are used to protect the viologen derivatives and promote their assembly into the membrane by interfacial polymerization. Viologen functions as a voltage switch, whereas CB[7] complexation prevents its dimerization and improves its redox stability. The inhibited diffusion of the CB[7]-viologen complex enables the precise patterning of the surface structure. The resultant voltage-gated membrane displays 80% improved rejection performance, excellent recovery accuracy for similar molecules, and anti-fouling properties. This work not only provides an innovative strategy for the preparation of voltage-gated smart nanofiltration membranes but also opens up new avenues for ion-selective transmission in water treatment, bionic ion channels, and energy conversion.
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