Functional membranes via nanoparticle self-assembly

This article summarizes a recently developed approach for the preparation of membrane materials by the self-assembly of inorganic, polymeric or hybrid nanoparticles, with the focus on functional membranes possessing permselectivity. Two types of such membranes are discussed, those possessing size and charge selectivity suitable for ultra- and nanofiltration and chemoselective separation, and those possessing proton or lithium transport properties suitable for fuel cell and lithium battery applications, respectively. This article describes the preparation methods of nanoparticle membranes, as well as their mechanical, molecular, and ionic transport properties.