Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhe Shu, Tian-hui Chen, Wen-shu Cai, Wen-han Yu, Zhuan Yi, Cong-jie Gao
Summary: This study discovers that micro-sized MOFs crystals can be more effective additives than nanomaterials to improve the separation performance of block copolymer isoporous membranes. The findings have been experimentally confirmed and have significant implications for the preparation of high-performance isoporous membranes using MOFs crystals as additives.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Kamran Foroutani, Seyed Morteza Ghasemi, Behzad Pourabbas
Summary: The study investigated the influence of physicochemical characteristics on membrane structure tuning and successfully prepared additive-free and ordered isoporous membranes by selecting appropriate solvent and adjusting casting parameters.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Yang, Xiansong Shi, Shiyong Chu, Zongping Shao, Yong Wang
Summary: The newly designed BCP membrane integrates the advantages of PSF and PEG chains, exhibiting high thermal resistance, excellent wettability, ultrahigh electrolyte uptake, and significant ionic conductivity. Batteries assembled with these membranes show excellent performance, outperforming those assembled with other separators.
Article
Polymer Science
Florian Friess, Qiwei Hu, Jannik Mayer, Lea Gemmer, Volker Presser, Bizan N. Balzer, Markus Gallei
Summary: A block copolymer (P(BMA-co-BPMA-co-MMA)-b-P(HEMA)) was prepared via a two-step ATRP method and fabricated into a porous membrane using the SNIPS process. UV-mediated cross-linking was used to stabilize the membrane and increase the water flux. The study showed enhanced swelling resistance and water flux for the cross-linked BCP membranes compared to the noncross-linked ones.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Lieihn Tsaur, Ulrich B. B. Wiesner
Summary: This article introduces the applications of porous polymer-derived membranes and the combination of block copolymer self-assembly with the non-equilibrium phase inversion technique to overcome performance tradeoffs. It reports recent advances in understanding the structural evolution of SNIPS-derived systems and the application of SNIPS to multicomponent systems. It also provides perspectives on future directions for both single-component and multicomponent membrane materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Md. Mushfequr Rahman
Summary: SNIPS is a membrane fabrication technique that combines evaporation induced self-assembly of block copolymers and nonsolvent induced phase separation, allowing for the creation of isoporous membranes with soft nanochannels. This technology has potential applications in ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, showcasing accessible pore functionality and the ability to tune soft nanochannel swelling.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julian Kund, Jan-Hendrik Kruse, Andreas Gruber, Ivan Trentin, Marcel Langer, Clarissa Read, Gregor Neusser, Dominik Blaimer, Ulrich Rupp, Carsten Streb, Kerstin Leopold, Felix H. Schacher, Christine Kranz
Summary: This study focused on a nanoporous block copolymer membrane which immobilized a polyoxometalate water oxidation catalyst and a molecular photosensitizer. The light-induced oxygen evolution was observed using operando scanning electrochemical microscopy, and the modified membranes showed no degradation of the catalyst under the reported light-driven conditions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoyuan Wang, Sirui Li, Yongqiang Cai
Summary: This study introduces a novel method to calculate the elastic moduli of self-assembled liquid-crystalline bilayers within the self-consistent field theory framework using the asymptotic expansion method, significantly reducing computational cost. Numerical simulations demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed method.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Veronica Rosiles-Gonzalez, Ronan Le Lagadec, Paulina Varguez-Catzim, Maria Loria-Bastarrachea, Abigail Gonzalez-Diaz, Emanuel Hernandez-Nunez, Manuel Aguilar-Vega, Maria Ortencia Gonzalez-Diaz
Summary: This paper reports the synthesis of copolymers with different AMPS feed ratios and their effects on the properties of membranes. The copolymers with strongly sulfonated acid groups showed tunable ion exchange and water absorption capacities. The copolymers formed by randomly combining AMPS and MMA monomers significantly enhanced the esterification conversion in the reaction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Leiming M. M. Guo, Konstantinos Ntetsikas, Georgios Zapsas, Roshni Thankamony, Zhiping P. P. Lai, Nikos Hadjichristidis
Summary: The importance of enhancing the design of percolating nanopore structures in block copolymers (BCPs) has been widely demonstrated in various cases over the past several decades. However, it remains challenging to prepare the desired porous structures in a rapid, facile, and universal way. In this study, an unconventional strategy has been developed to rapidly generate nanoporous polystyrene-based BCPs with arbitrary structural characteristics, regardless of the BCP bulk morphology. This universal pore-forming strategy allows for the formation of advanced membranes with sustainable CO2-based BCPs, efficiently rejecting 94.2% brilliant blue R (826 g mol(-1)) after only 1 second of soaking. Meanwhile, the water permeance remains around 1020 L (m(2) h bar)(-1), which is 1-3 orders of magnitude higher than that of other membranes. This strategy provides an excellent opportunity to introduce percolating pore structures in newly developed BCPs that may not be addressed by previously reported pore-forming methods.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liang Zhai, Shengchao Chai, Tingting Li, Haibin Li, Siqi He, Haibo He, Xiang Li, Lixin Wu, Fengjing Jiang, Haolong Li
Summary: Ion-conducting membranes are crucial in redox flow batteries, but achieving a balance between ion conductivity and selectivity is challenging. This study introduces polyoxometalate-hybridized block copolymers as self-assembled additives to create proton-selective nanobarriers in the membrane matrix, resulting in improved structural and performance properties.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Cynthia Xix-Rodriguez, Paulina Varguez-Catzim, Alejandro Alonzo-Garcia, Nayeli Rodriguez-Fuentes, Humberto Vazquez-Torres, Abigail Gonzalez-Diaz, Manuel Aguilar-Vega, Maria Ortencia Gonzalez-Diaz
Summary: Hemocompatible membranes were obtained by blending poly(lactic acid) with three different amphiphilic block copolymers, showing promising balance between molecule transport and protein retention. The copolymers segregated to the membrane surface and led to improved anti-fouling properties and water flow. These membranes exhibited hemocompatibility, non-hemolyzing properties, and fine-tuned toxin separation with high retention of desirable proteins.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kevin G. Yager
Summary: The self-assembly of a triblock bottlebrush polymer at one length scale determines the organization of the self-assembly at a smaller scale, creating a hierarchical unit cell.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nils Demazy, Pablo G. Argudo, Guillaume Fleury
Summary: Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly in thin films is a method to generate nanometric features with tunable geometrical configurations. The layering method can enrich the range of nanostructures and form non-native heterostructures.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Cao-Ying Yang, Guo-Dong Zhu, Zhuan Yi, Yong Zhou, Cong-Jie Gao
Summary: This paper reviews the additive assisted SNIPS process in fabricating functionalized, high-performance asymmetric isoporous membranes, focusing on the importance of additives in overcoming challenges faced by this strategy. Future directions for advancement in this field are also discussed, highlighting the significance of additives in enabling easier and more reproducible fabrication of advanced isoporous membranes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Clarissa Abetz, Prokopios Georgopanos, Claudio Pistidda, Thomas Klassen, Volker Abetz
Summary: Hydrogen is crucial for the transition to a sustainable future without CO2 emissions. It can be produced from renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and used to buffer energy fluctuations in all sectors. Safe and efficient storage options, such as metal hydride materials, are essential for hydrogen technology implementation.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Siraphat Weerathaworn, Volker Abetz
Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis of narrow disperse di- and triblock copolymers and their modification and cross-linking to produce vitrimers with excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The characteristic properties of these vitrimers can be adjusted by different types and amounts of diamines. Due to the thermoreversible nature of the transamination reaction, these vitrimers are reprocessable and recyclable materials.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sascha Benedict Lemich, Nils Sobania, Nils-Felix Meyer, Patrick Schuetz, Birgit Hankiewicz, Volker Abetz
Summary: This article introduces an in situ approach for synthesizing multiresponsive Au@Polymer hybrid systems using a tailor-made P(DMAEMA) precursor. The photoiniferter RAFT mechanism is applied for the polymerization of the precursor, and the influence of different RAFT Z-groups on the solubility of the Au-hybrids is studied. Aging effects and thermoresponsive behavior of the Au-hybrids in an aqueous solution are observed using TEM and DLS analysis, and the influence of free polymer in solution on suspension stability is investigated. The potential applications of the synthesized hybrids in crosslinking and CO2 sensitivity are also discussed.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Aniket Raje, Prokopios Georgopanos, Joachim Koll, Jelena Lillepaerg, Ulrich A. Handge, Volker Abetz
Summary: The study used foam extrusion to produce highly porous foams from a blend of polyethersulfone (PESU) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), reducing the processing temperature by approximately 100°C and achieving energy efficiency and sustainability. The resulting extruded polymer foam had a porosity of approximately 51% and an average foam cell diameter of 5 μm.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hluf Hailu Kinfu, Md. Mushfequr Rahman, Nicolas Cevallos-Cueva, Volker Abetz
Summary: In this paper, the transport of aqueous solutions of dyes through TA-Fe3+ membranes was studied using the SKK model. The simulation results of dye rejection were in good agreement with the experimental findings, except at low fluxes and diluted feed solutions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Philipp Haida, Suwabun Chirachanchai, Volker Abetz
Summary: This article presents starch-reinforced biobased and biodegradable vinylogous urethane vitrimer composites with high shares of starch, exhibiting recyclable thermosetting properties. The combination of dynamic covalent bonds and biobased raw materials enables the development of new polymers with excellent carbon footprint, mechanical properties, and multiple recycling methods.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin Yang, Ziyi Zhang, Meiling Wu, Zai-Ping Guo, Zi-Jian Zheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the effect of restricting water on the zinc plating/stripping process. By bonding water to bacterial cellulose, side reactions are suppressed and stable zinc plating/stripping is achieved. Using limited electrolyte and zinc foil enables higher capacity and better stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Volker Abetz
Summary: Block copolymers with self-assembled structures offer various opportunities for material separation. Flat and hollow filament membranes with regularly arranged pores can be produced from these block copolymers. The sizes and functionalities of these membranes can be adjusted in different ways, allowing for a wide range of applications in material separation. Moreover, tailor-made amphiphilic block copolymers can be used for specific extraction of substances from aqueous to organic solutions.
CHEMIE INGENIEUR TECHNIK
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hluf Hailu Kinfu, Md. Mushfequr Rahman, Erik Sebastian Schneider, Nicolas Cevallos-Cueva, Volker Abetz
Summary: Thin film composite membranes with high selectivity between organic solutes were prepared using a green synthesis procedure. The membranes contain a metal-polyphenol network and can be fine-tuned for various properties by adjusting the components' ratio. Filtration tests showed good selectivity between different charged dyes and trivalent negatively charged dyes. This work provides an eco-friendly membrane synthesis method for applications in water and wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Florian C. Klein, Malte Vogt, Volker Abetz
Summary: Bio-based polymer building blocks derived from abundant biomass, such as lignin-derived vanillin, are used to synthesize sustainable high-performance polymers through chemical modifications. The resulting materials, formed by covalent adaptable Schiff base networks, exhibit thermally reprocessable and environmentally friendly properties, without the use of highly toxic amines. By adjusting the composition of the network building blocks, the mechanical and stress-relaxation properties of the materials can be tailored.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Lara Hub, Joachim Koll, Maryam Radjabian, Volker Abetz
Summary: Photo-initiated iniferter RAFT polymerization can synthesize polymers in a water-ethanol mixture without the need for external initiators. The influence of light intensity and temperature on polymerizations were investigated and optimized. Well-defined homopolymers of different monomer classes with narrow molecular weight distribution were synthesized in short polymerization times.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhenzhen Zhang, Md. Mushfequr Rahman, Ivonne Ternes, Barbara Bajer, Volker Abetz
Summary: This study reports on the development of positively charged isoporous block copolymer nanofiltration membranes with designed soft nanochannels. The membranes were obtained through self-assembly and non-solvent-induced phase separation. A versatile post-modification approach was used to engineer well-defined soft nanochannels. The membranes demonstrated the capability to separate mono-/divalent cations based on their ionic size difference, charge, and energy. The selectivity of the membranes was significantly higher in binary-salt systems compared to single-salt systems. The membranes also showed potential for recovering valuable ionic species from water, such as Mg, which is classified as a critical raw material in Europe.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Meiling Wu, Ye Zhang, Lin Xu, Chunpeng Yang, Min Hong, Mingjin Cui, Bryson C. Clifford, Shuaiming He, Shuangshuang Jing, Yan Yao, Liangbing Hu
Summary: A chitosan-Zn electrolyte with high mechanical strength, Zn2+ conductivity, and water bonding capability is demonstrated for high-performance Zn-metal batteries. It enables desirable Zn-deposition morphology and shows exceptional cycling stability and rate performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Iklima Oral, Fanny Ott, Volker Abetz
Summary: This study describes the synthesis and characterization of benz-1,4-dioxane crown ethers (CEs) and its homologues, and analyzes the effect of adding a carbon atom within the CE ring on the complexation of Li+ and Mg2+ in liquid-liquid extraction. The results show that the increased hydrophobicity of the CE ring enhances the stability of the Mg2+ complex, while the Li+ complexes are less favored.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
