Controlled Postassembly Functionalization of Mesoporous Copolymer Membranes Informed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Abstract

The need for nanofiltration membranes with tailored selectivity and reduced fouling propensity has led to the development of a multitude of processes that incorporate targeted functionality on membrane surfaces. These processes are often time-consuming, and additional development is needed to realize functionalization protocols that are compatible with roll-to-roll membrane fabrication processes. This work investigated the use of copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reactions whereby a reactive solution containing an alkynyl-terminated molecule is deposited on a copolymer membrane with azide-functionalized surfaces. The progress of the reaction was quantified by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to monitor the decreasing intensity of the peak associated with the azide groups as a function of time. The rate of membrane functionalization was controlled through the concentrations of the copper catalyst and alkynyl-terminated molecule in the reactive solution. Reactive solutio...