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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
09:09
Layer-by-layer Synthesis and Transfer of Freestanding Conjugated Microporous Polymer Nanomembranes
Published on: December 15, 2015
9.4K
Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Porous Fullerene Membranes for Ultimate Organic Solvent Separation
Xiaofang Chen1, Yifang Mu1, Chunxin Jin1
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular & Process Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, 500, Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200241, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|February 19, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a new 2D polymeric fullerene (C60)∞ nanosheet membrane for efficient organic solvent separation. The membrane offers significantly higher solvent flux and excellent rejection of large molecules, demonstrating its potential for advanced nanofiltration.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Two-dimensional (2D) materials are crucial for developing chemically stable membranes for organic solvent separation.
- Polymeric fullerenes (C60)∞ represent a novel 2D material with unique properties suitable for innovative membrane applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and evaluate a 2D (C60)∞ nanosheet membrane for effective organic solvent separation.
- To investigate the separation performance of the membrane in terms of flux and rejection capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 2D (C60)∞ nanosheet membrane.
- Creation of sub-1-nm lateral channels and nanoscale in-plane pores via depolymerization of (C60)∞ nanosheets.
- Testing membrane performance using organic solvents like hexane, acetone, and methanol, and assessing rejection of macromolecular compounds.
Main Results:
- The constructed ultrathin porous (C60)∞ membrane exhibits ordered and shortened transport pathways.
- Achieved high fluxes for hexane (1146.3±53), acetone (900.4±41), and methanol (879.5±42 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹), up to 130 times higher than state-of-the-art membranes.
- Demonstrated excellent rejection of macromolecular compounds such as dyes.
Conclusions:
- The 2D (C60)∞ nanosheet membrane shows superior performance in organic solvent separation due to its unique structural features.
- This novel membrane technology holds significant promise for nanofiltration applications, including the separation of dyes, drugs, and hormones from organic solvents.
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