Nanostructured Mixed Matrix Membranes from Supramolecular Assembly of Block Copolymer Nanoparticles and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Mixed matrix membranes having combined properties of both polymeric and inorganic materials have become the principal focus on separation technology. This work insights an original strategy of mixed matrix membrane preparation incorporating positively charged inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) with negatively charged polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) using spin coating technique. The PNPs with different morphologies (spheres, worms, and vesicles) made of poly(methacrylic acid)-b-(methyl methacrylate)) diblock copolymer were synthesized using RAFT dispersion polymerization in ethanol at 70 °C. The inorganic counterpart, iron oxide nanoparticles coated with poly(methacrylic acid)-b-poly(quaternized 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) were synthesized and incorporated into the membrane acting as a bridge between the negatively charged polymeric particles (due to the presence of opposite electrostatic charges). Permeability tests were carried out using the feed of different pH at various pressures.