Porous Poly(ionic liquid) Membranes Functionalized with Metal Nanoparticles

• Functional nanoporous polymer membranes with expanded surface area can be applied in broad fields, including separation, filtration, catalysis and energy applications. There are a number of established methods for the preparation of nanoporous membranes using neutral or weakly charged polymers. Although, fabrication of nanoporous polymer membranes from strong polyelectrolytes is far more difficult, we present our approach to nanoporous polyelectrolyte membranes by using poly(ionic liquid)s. [1]Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) are the polymerization products of ionic liquids (ILs), which combine certain properties and functions of polymeric materials (e,g. durability and  good processability)  and  ILs (e.g. ion conductivity and thermal stability). We have exploited these favorable properties in the fabrication of nanoporous membranes from imidazolium based PILs through electrostatic complexation of PILs with polyacids. [2-4] The porous structure forms as a result of microphase separation of the hydrophobic PIL chains from the aqueous environment and is simultaneously stabilized by ionically crosslinked networks between the cationic PIL and the negatively charged neutralized polyacids. The as-obtained nanoporous membrane features a gradient profile in the cross-linking density along the membrane cross-section, triggered by the diffusive penetration of a base molecule from the top to the bottom into the PIL-polyacid blend film. The membrane pore sizes can be tuned from nano- to micrometer scale by varying the degree of electrostatic complexation.Furthermore, the membrane features high actuation speed in response to acetone vapor phase (also some other organic vapors) on account of its gradient in cross-linking density and the intrinsic porous nature of the membrane that enhances the internal mass transport. Such membranes may serve as environmental sensors to detect solvent quality. [5] In this meeting, we will update you with our latest progress in making nanoparticle-decorated nanoporous PIL membranes in a single step.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Polymerkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Polymer Chemistry (hsv//eng)

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