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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
08:12
Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
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Dynamic Covalent Chemistry Enabled Closed-Loop Recycling of Thermally Modified Polymer Membrane
Ching Yoong Loh1, Tianting Pang1,2, Dengsong Zhang2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom.
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
|July 3, 2025
Summary
This study introduces recyclable nanofibrous membranes (RFMs) for sustainable oil-water separation. These membranes, based on Diels-Alder chemistry, demonstrate high efficiency and stability through multiple reuse cycles, promoting a circular economy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Growing need for sustainable oil-water separation technologies.
- Challenges in membrane disposal and end-of-life management.
- Demand for recyclable solutions in wastewater treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop closed-loop, recyclable nanofibrous membranes (RFMs).
- To utilize reversible covalent networks based on the Diels-Alder reaction for membrane fabrication.
- To optimize membrane performance and recyclability for oil-water separation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a methacrylate-based copolymer with hydrophobic and furan-functionalized monomers.
- Electrospinning of the copolymer into a porous substrate.
- Cross-linking using bismaleimide to form a dynamic covalent network.
- Post-thermal modification for optimizing hydrophobicity and porosity.
Main Results:
- RFMs achieved high oil-water separation efficiency (up to 99%) and flux (up to 1,187 LMH).
- Membranes maintained structural and chemical stability after multiple recycling cycles.
- Diels-Alder reaction enabled depolymerization and reformation without significant degradation.
- Third-cycle recycling showed maintained flux with a slight decrease in separation efficiency.
Conclusions:
- RFMs offer a sustainable and efficient solution for oil-water separation.
- The Diels-Alder dynamic covalent network facilitates closed-loop recyclability.
- This technology represents a significant advancement towards a circular economy in water treatment and resource recovery.
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