Multifunctional nanocomposite hollow fiber membranes by solvent transfer induced phase separation

Martin F Haase,Daeyeon Lee,Kathleen J Stebe,Noah Hough,Jong Hak Kim,Harim Jeon

doi:10.1038/s41467-017-01409-3

Martin F Haase, Daeyeon Lee + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-01409-3

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Abstract

The decoration of porous membranes with a dense layer of nanoparticles imparts useful functionality and can enhance membrane separation and anti-fouling properties. However, manufacturing of nanoparticle-coated membranes requires multiple steps and tedious processing. Here, we introduce a facile single-step method in which bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsions are used to form nanoparticle-functionalized hollow fiber membranes. The resulting nanocomposite membranes prepared via solvent transfer-induced phase separation and photopolymerization have exceptionally high nanoparticle loadings (up to 50 wt% silica nanoparticles) and feature densely packed nanoparticles uniformly distributed over the entire membrane surfaces. These structurally well-defined, asymmetric membranes facilitate control over membrane flux and selectivity, enable the formation of stimuli responsive hydrogel nanocomposite membranes, and can be easily modified to introduce antifouling features. This approach forms a foundation for the formation of advanced nanocomposite membranes comprising diverse building blocks with potential applications in water treatment, industrial separations and as catalytic membrane reactors.

Highlights

The decoration of porous membranes with a dense layer of nanoparticles imparts useful functionality and can enhance membrane separation and anti-fouling properties
Our approach facilitates previously unattainable nanoparticle loadings and placement on membranes and enables the single step fabrication of nanocomposite membranes composed of highly crosslinked polymers with pronounced chemical resistance
solvent transfer-induced phase separation (STRIPS) bijel-derived hollow fiber membranes are prepared by STRIPS with a homogeneous mixture of a hydrophobic monomer (hexanediol diacrylate (HDA)), a solvent, and water

Summary

Introduction

The decoration of porous membranes with a dense layer of nanoparticles imparts useful functionality and can enhance membrane separation and anti-fouling properties. STRIPS bijel-derived hollow fiber membranes are prepared by STRIPS with a homogeneous mixture of a hydrophobic monomer (hexanediol diacrylate (HDA)), a solvent (ethanol), and water (liquid composition A in ternary diagram Fig. 1a). Unlike NIPS, the surface structures of STRIPS-bijel-derived membranes are stabilized by the interfacial jamming of nanoparticles rather than by polymer precipitation, which leads to a membrane pore surface that is densely decorated with nanoparticles.

Results

Conclusion