Exfoliation of MoS2 nanosheets using stimuli responsive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-allylamine) for multi-functional nanofiltration membranes preparation

Abstract

Exfoliating TMD nanosheets in aqueous solution with stimuli responsive stabilizers could have a synergistic effect on both exfoliation and smart behavior manifestation. Smart porous membranes material permeation management has a significant impact on membrane applications. Herein, stimuli responsive Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-allylamine) exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets laminar membranes were prepared using facile vacuum filtration. The prepared membranes manifested synergistic effect for thermo-responsive, antifouling, and photocatalytic behavior. The use of a solar simulator as a source of both heat and light is a promising feature for improving membrane separation and antifouling ability. The water permeance of the MoS2 laminar membrane is regulated in a reversible way by the thermo-responsive gates. The unique tunability of the membrane also aids in the separation of different sized molecules. In the field of smart gating systems and molecular separation, the modified 2D MoS2 stimuli-responsive membranes expands the utilization range of nano-gating separation.