Molecular activation of fluoropolymer membranes via base piranha treatment to enhance transport and mitigate fouling ? new materials for water purification

In this work, we introduce a reliable and direct method to activate fluoropolymers via integrating covalent labile ones for further modification. Basic piranha solution was used for the first time to functionalize polymeric surface with hydroxyl moieties. Subsequently, surfaces were modified with a varied molecular grafting. Materials were characterized and tested in several separation processes, including air-gap membrane distillation, osmotic membrane distillation, and microfiltration. This method deciphers surface architecture for various applications not only in membranes but also in variety of fields where functionalized fluoropolymers are employed. The work is also comparing membranes activated with acid and base piranha. The latter produced much more stable and resistant membranes with respect to the acid-treated ones. Systematic and material characterization on the molecular level, with the implementation of various spectroscopic, microscopic, and other techniques, was performed to prove and assess the generated, highly effective separation materials. The presented method opened the gate for fast and easy production of advanced functionalized fluoropolymers.

Automated summary

This work introduces a reliable method to activate fluoropolymers for further modification using piranha solution. Materials activated with base piranha are found to be more stable and resistant compared to those activated with acid piranha. Through systematic material characterization, the effectiveness of the generated separation materials is proven and assessed.