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The adsorption of particles onto fluid membranes can lead to membrane-mediated interactions between particles that promote their self-assembly and lead to changes in membrane morphology. However, in contrast with rigid particles, relatively little is known about deformable particles, which introduce additional complexities due to the mutual deformability of the particles and the membrane. Here, we use Monte Carlo simulations and umbrella sampling to investigate the equilibrium properties of hinge-like particles adsorbed on membrane vesicles by means of anisotropic, attractive interactions. We vary the hinge stiffness, adhesive area fraction, patterning of adhesive regions, and number of adsorbed particles. Depending on their properties, isolated particles can conform to the vesicle, induce invaginations of the membrane, or exhibit multistable behavior in which they sample distinct classes of configurations due to the interplay of particle and membrane deformations. With two adsorbed particles, the properties of the particles can be used to promote aggregation, bias the particles to different parts of the vesicle, or stabilize the coexistence of both cases. With multiple adsorbed particles, the number and type control their organization and collective impact on the vesicle, which can adopt shapes ranging from roughly spherical to dumbbell-like and multi-lobed. Our results highlight how modifying the mechanical properties and patterned adhesion of deformable particles, which is possible with DNA nanotechnology, influences their self-assembly and the resulting shapes of both the particles and vesicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme confinement in nanochannels results in unconventional equilibrium and flow behavior of polymers. The underlying flow physics dictating such paradigms remains far from being understood and more so if the confining substrate is composed of two-dimensional materials, such as graphene. In this study, we conducted systematic molecular dynamics simulations to explore the effect of wettability, confinement, and chain length on polymer flow through graphene-like nanochannels. Altering the wetting properties of these membranes that structurally represent graphene results in substantial changes in the behavior of polymers of disparate chain lengths. Longer hydrocarbon chains (n-dodecane) exhibit negligible wettability-dependent structuring in narrower nanochannels compared to shorter chains (n-hexane) culminating in higher average velocities and interfacial slippage of n-dodecane under less wettable conditions. We demonstrate that the wettability compensation comes from chain entanglement attributed to entropic factors. This study reveals a delicate balance between wettability-dependent enthalpy and chain-length-dependent entropy, resulting in a unique nanoscale flow paradigm, thus not only having far-reaching implications in the superior discernment of polymeric flow in sub-micrometer regimes but also potentially revolutionizing various applications in the oil industry, including innovative oil transport, oil extraction, ion transport polymers, and separation membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrophilic pore morphology and solvent diffusion within model (amphiphilic) polymer membranes are simulated by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). The polymers are composed of a backbone of 18 covalently bonded A beads to which at regular intervals side chains are attached. The side chains are composed of linear Ap chains (i.e., –A1–A2...Ap) from which two branches, [AsC] and [ArC], split off (s ≤ r). C beads serve as functionalized hydrophilic pendent sites. The branch lengths (s + 1 and r + 1) are varied. Five repeat unit designs (with general formula A3[Ap[AsC][ArC]]) are considered: A2[A3C][A3C] (symmetric branching), A2[A2C][A4C], A2[AC][A5C], A2[C][A6C] (highly asymmetric branching), and A4[AC][A3C]. The distribution of water (W) and W diffusion through nanophase segregated hydrophilic pores is studied. For similar primary length p, an increase in side chain symmetry favors hydrophilic pore connectivity and long-range water transport. C beads located on the longer [ArC] branches reveal the highest C bead mobility and are more strongly associated with water than the C beads on the shorter [AsC] branches. The connectivity of hydrophilic (W and W + C) phases through mapped replica of selected snapshots obtained from Monte Carlo tracer diffusion simulations is in line with trends found from the W bead diffusivities during DPD simulations. The diffusive pathways for protons (H+) in proton exchange membranes and for hydronium (OH−) in anion exchange membranes are the same as for solvents. Therefore, control of the side chain architecture is an interesting design parameter for optimizing membrane conductivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionizable copolymers assembly in solutions is driven by the formation of ionic clusters. Fast clustering of the ionizable blocks often leads to the formation of far-from equilibrium assemblies that ultimately impact the structure of polymer membranes and affect their many applications. Using large-scale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we probe the effects of electrostatics on the formation of ionizable copolymer micelles that dominate their solution structure, with the overarching goal of defining the factors that control the assembly of structured ionizable copolymers. A symmetric pentablock ionizable copolymer, with a randomly sulfonated polystyrene center tethered to polyethylene-r-propylene block, terminated by poly(t-butyl styrene), in solvents of varying dielectric constants from 2 to 20, serves as the model system. We find that independent of the solvents, this polymer forms a core–shell micelle with the ionizable segment segregating to the center of the assembly. The specific block conformation, however, strongly depends on the sulfonation levels and the dielectric constant and the polarity of the solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer membrane electrolyzers are a useful tool for producing hydrogen, which is a renewable energy source. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fuel cells can be powered by the hydrogen and oxygen produced by the electrolyzer. The primary losses of polymer membrane electrolyzers must therefore be identified in order to maximize their performance. A renewable-based multi-energy system considers power, cooling, heating, and hydrogen energy as utility systems for integrated sport buildings. In this study, we investigate the effect of radiation intensity, current density, and other performance factors on the rate of hydrogen production in water electrolysis using a polymer membrane electrolyzer in combination with a solar concentrator. The findings showed that a rise in hydrogen generation led to an increase in current density, which increased the electrolyzer's voltage and decreased its energy and exergy efficiencies. The voltage was also increased, and the electrolyzer's efficiency was enhanced by a rise in temperature, a decrease in pressure, and a reduction in the thickness of the nafion membrane. Additionally, with a 145% increase in radiation intensity, hydrogen production increased by 110% while the electrolyzer's energy and exergy efficiencies decreased by 13.8% as a result of the electrolyzer's high input electric current to hydrogen output ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Point of care testing (POCT) of nucleic acids holds significant importance in the realm of infectious disease prevention and control, as well as the advancement of personalized precision medicine. Nevertheless, conventional nucleic acid testing methods continue to face challenges such as prolonged detection times and dependence on extensive specialized equipment and personnel, rendering them unsuitable for point of care applications. Here, we proposed an innovative active centrifugal microfluidic system (ACMS) for automatic nucleic acid extraction, encompassing modules for active valve control and magnetic control. An on-chip centrifugal puncture valve (PV) was devised based on the elastic tolerance differences between silicone membranes and tinfoils to release pre-embedded liquid reagents on demand. Furthermore, we have utilized the returnable valve (RV) technology to accurately control the retention and release of liquids, leveraging the high elastic tolerance of the silicone membrane. By incorporating an online controllable magnetic valve, we have achieved controlled and rapid aggregation and dispersion of magnetic beads. The final chip encapsulates multiple reagents and magnetic beads necessary for nucleic acid extraction. Upon sample addition and loading into the instrument, automated on-chip sample loading and nucleic acid extraction, purification, and collection can be accomplished within 30 minutes, halving the overall operation time and even increasing the efficiency of pseudovirus extraction by three orders of magnitude. Consequently, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR amplification has successfully detected multiple targets of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (with an impressive detection limit as low as 10 copies per µL), along with targeted sequencing analysis yielding a conformity rate of 99%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric membranes have emerged as a competitive technology in gas separation processes due to their notable energy efficiency, environmentally friendly attributes and minimal system footprint. To enhance the performance of conventional polymeric membranes, significant research efforts have been dedicated to modifying their surface properties in the last decade. Among the various techniques explored, membrane surface modification using coating methods, such as dip-coating, spray-coating, grafting and interfacial polymerization stands out as one of the most popular and straightforward approaches. Scientists have utilized a diverse array of coating solutions comprising either polymeric materials or hybrid materials in these methods, yielding promising outcomes. This article aims to present a comprehensive review of the advancements made in surface coating approaches employed for modifying hollow fiber membrane surfaces over the past decade. The review encompasses an evaluation of how different coating approaches and solutions affect the surface's physicochemical properties and the gas separation performance of the membranes. Furthermore, the article delves into discussing technical challenges associated with these surface coating approaches, providing an insightful analysis. Lastly, the review concludes by outlining perspectives and recommending future research directions for this area of study, highlighting the potential avenues for innovation and advancement in surface-coated hollow fiber membranes for gas separation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based materials are widely used in electrical heaters, resistors, battery electrodes, and other applications. Membranous electronic components, with light weight, small volume, extraordinary mechanical flexibility, can be used in microelectronic devices and flexible electronic devices. The C/Si 3 N 4 composite film was prepared by circulating 16% sucrose solution on the coating machine for 4 times and heat treating with nitrogen at 850 °C for 60min. The composite film has excellent electrical conductivity, and the resistivity is 15 mΩ cm at normal temperature (20 °C), and the minimum resistivity can be less than 1 mΩ cm at high temperature. In addition, the composite film maintains the inherent flexibility of silicon nitride fiber paper, and the minimum bending radius is as low as 3 mm. Compared with polymer flexible membranes, C/Si 3 N 4 composite membranes show excellent long-term stability at high temperatures, and the preparation process is green, low cost, easy to operate, and suitable for large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lab-on-a-tip (LOT) has been constructed as a sensing platform for the detection of lead using a disposable pipette tip. The LOT has been constructed with optical fiber spectroscopy where the inside wall of a pipette tip is modified with a polymeric inclusion membrane (PIM) immobilized with dithizone as a chemical sensor for Pb(II) in herbal samples. Under optimal conditions, the LOT determined Pb(II) across a linear concentration range from 1.9 to 20 mg/L with a detection limit of 0.621 mg/L. The analysis of samples shows good agreement with the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many advantages of using membranes in the separation of wastewater, but their uses are limited because they are not reusable due to blockages in the membrane. In this study, alginate‐based poly(ethyl‐methacrylate) (PEMA) polymeric membranes containing previously synthesized IOS, which are known to be selective against Fe3+, were prepared and their permeability against heavy metals such as Cd2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Hg2+ and Pb2+ were investigated. The properties of membranes characterized by UV‐Vis and FT‐IR spectrophotometry, were investigated with analysis techniques such as SEM, contact angle measurements, TG‐DTG, DSC and AFM. As a result of the measurements taken from the UV spectrophotometer of the filtrates passed through various aqueous ion solutions of the membranes as mentioned above, it was concluded that the ion to which the membrane was most selective was the Fe3+ ion. Moreover, it could be said that thanks to the repeated filtration processes the membrane prepared retained some Fe3+ ion in each measurement and could be used many times in the filtration process. Resultantly, it is possible to say that the polymeric Fe3+ membrane sensor produced may be suitable for use when it is necessary to remove Fe3+ ion from a polluted aqueous environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have shown great promises to overcome the performance upper limit of polymeric membranes for various gas separation processes. However, the gas separation properties of the MMMs largely depend on the MOF‐polymer interfacial compatibility which is a metric difficult to quantify. In most cases, whether a MOF filler and a polymer matrix make a good pair is not revealed until the gas transport experiments are performed. This is because there is a lack of characterization techniques to directly probe the MOF‐polymer interfacial compatibility. In this work, we demonstrate a self‐sorting method to rank the interface compatibility among several MOF‐polymer pairs. By mixing one MOF with two polymers in an MMM, the demixing of two polymers will form two polymer domains. The MOF particles will preferably partition into the "preferred" polymer domain due to their higher interfacial affinity. By scanning different polymer pairs, a rank of MOF‐polymer interfacial compatibility from high to low can be obtained. Moreover, based on this ranking, it was also found that a highly compatible MOF‐polymer pair suggested by this method also corresponds to a more predictable MMM gas separation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have shown great promises to overcome the performance upper limit of polymeric membranes for various gas separation processes. However, the gas separation properties of the MMMs largely depend on the MOF‐polymer interfacial compatibility which is a metric difficult to quantify. In most cases, whether a MOF filler and a polymer matrix make a good pair is not revealed until the gas transport experiments are performed. This is because there is a lack of characterization techniques to directly probe the MOF‐polymer interfacial compatibility. In this work, we demonstrate a self‐sorting method to rank the interface compatibility among several MOF‐polymer pairs. By mixing one MOF with two polymers in an MMM, the demixing of two polymers will form two polymer domains. The MOF particles will preferably partition into the "preferred" polymer domain due to their higher interfacial affinity. By scanning different polymer pairs, a rank of MOF‐polymer interfacial compatibility from high to low can be obtained. Moreover, based on this ranking, it was also found that a highly compatible MOF‐polymer pair suggested by this method also corresponds to a more predictable MMM gas separation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal anode holds great promise due to its highest theoretical capacity and lowest redox potential. However, its practical application is hindered by lithium dendrite growth and exhaustive side reactions, which poses concerns to both cell performance and safety. Herein, a relocatable composite membrane is developed to simultaneously inhibit dendrite growth and stabilize solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. The compact packing of hollow multishelled structure (HoMS) provides percolated lithium ion channels and uniform ion flux, while the combined elastic polymer endows membrane structural flexibility to dynamically accommodate volume changes, which results in dendrite‐free lithium deposition inside HoMS and underneath the membrane and stable SEI film restricted to the outer surface of HoMS. Consequently, the membrane‐modified lithium metal half cell achieves an impressive Coulombic efficiency of 99.6% for over 600 cycles. Notably, full cell paired with LiFePO4 cathode stably runs for over 700 cycles, with a decay rate of only 0.045% per cycle, while the one paired with LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode demonstrates a high capacity of 164.1 mAh g−1 at 1 C and a good capacity retention. This HoMS‐based composite membrane opens up new opportunities to realize the practical application of lithium metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work aims to develop low-cost hybrid polymeric membranes with high chiral resolution capacity. A mesoporous material (MCM-41) obtained from rice husk biomass was used to support the chiral selector (S,S)-1-(3,5-dinitrobenzamido)-tetrahydrophenanthrene (Whelk-Os1). This material was incorporated into the polyethersulfone matrix and the structural variables, such as the incorporated content and the polymer-mesoporous material compatibility, were investigated regarding the chiral resolution capacity. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), prepared by the phase inversion method, were characterized by FTIR, XPS, and SEM, confirming the presence of MCM-41-(S,S)-Whelk-Os1. Membrane enantioselectivity was evaluated through filtration tests with the enantiomeric pair of naproxen and using a xanthone derivative, 6-methoxy-9-oxo-N-(1-(p-tolylethyl)-9H-xanthene-2-carboxamide). The concentration of both enantiomers throughout the filtration was monitored by liquid chromatography equipped with a Whelk-Os1 column (25 cm, 4.6 mm i.d., 5 mm particle size, 100 Å pore size) from Regis Technologies. The MMMs exhibited excellent enantioselectivity (a = 16.78) for the xanthone derivative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer membranes are widely used for gas separation, addressing critical environmental and energy issues. Nevertheless, crafting high‐performance polymer membranes remains a challenging task, often relies on labor‐intensive trial‐and‐error experiments. Different from the traditional Edisonian approach, machine learning offers significant potential to expedite the design of new polymer membranes for gas separation, yet it faces a substantial hurdle due to limited data availability. To overcome this challenge, in this study two physics‐informed performance metrics are introduced, namely fractional free volume and average void size, to assess the separation performance of polymer membranes. By employing active learning and multi‐target screening, top‐performing polyimides with intrinsic microporosity are efficiently discovered from a pool of 155 610 candidates, through calculations of only 709 (0.45%) in the entire search space. As validated by molecular simulations, the top‐performing polyimides exhibit exceptional separation performance for CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and O2/N2 mixtures, superior to existing polymers and surpassing the current upper bound. The utilization of physics‐informed performance metrics provides a novel strategy to advance the design and accelerate the discovery of new polymer membranes for gas separation and many other important applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional bulk adsorbents, employed for the removal of dyes and metal ions, often face the drawback of requiring an additional filtration system to separate the filtrate from the adsorbent. In this study, we address this limitation by embedding the adsorbent into the polymer matrix through a process involving dissolution–dispersion, spin-casting, and heat-stretching. Selective dissolution and dispersion facilitate the integration of the adsorbent into the polymer matrix. Meanwhile, spin-casting ensures the formation of a uniform and thin film structure, whereas heat-induced stretching produces a porous matrix with a reduced water contact angle. The adsorbent selectively captures dye molecules, while the porous structure contributes to water permeability. We utilized inexpensive and readily available materials, such as waste polyethylene and calcium carbonate, to fabricate membranes for the removal of methylene blue dye. The effects of various parameters, such as polymer-adsorbent ratio, initial dye concentration, and annealing temperature, were investigated. Equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. The equilibrium data were best represented by the Langmuir isotherm, with maximum adsorption capacity of 35 mg/g and 43 mg/g at 25 °C and 45 °C, respectively. The membranes can be regenerated and recycled with a 97% dye removal efficiency. The study aims to present a template for adsorbent-embedded polymeric membranes for dye removal, in which adsorbent can be tailored to enhance adsorption capacity and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a nanocellulose acetate and acrylate polymer composite membrane was formed by the phase transfer technique. The physical and mechanical properties, water flux, and desalination performance of the achieved composite membrane were investigated. When 3 % (w/w) acrylate polymer, 10 % acetylated nanocellulose, and 0.3 % mass fraction of TiO2 were used for the formation of the membrane, the obtained product could reach a tensile strength of 1.97 N/mm2 and a pure water flux of 51 L/(m2 h). Moreover, the composite membrane achieved a desalination rate of 92.4 %. Thus, the obtained composite membrane could meet the performance requirements for the treatment of industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In biomaterials research, natural and hydrophilic polymers received considerable attention for their exceptional properties viz. biocompatibility, profound cell attachment, non-toxicity, biodegradation rate, etc. In the state of the art, xanthan gum, hydroxylpropyl methyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol were blended with synthetic polycaprolactone for the fabrication of polymeric membranes to study the change in physico-chemical and biological property in eradicating the cancerous cells and growth inhibition of microbial strains through drug delivery. The hydrogen bonding interactions and crosslinking bond formation were clearly observed from spectral lines. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed the surface features like porosity and chemical composition, and an increasing trend in surface wettability (92 to 30.1°) was observed through contact angle measurements and the mechanical properties were also tested for the prepared membranes. A higher drug loading capacity (> 90%) was achieved and the same amount was successfully released from the membrane in a controlled manner. It was further confirmed by the zero-order kinetics with diffusion controlled release mechanism found by Higuchi model. The prepared membranes showed more than 70% of anticancer activity against human breast cancer cell line and exhibited moderate (15–55%) cytotoxic effects against normal fibroblast cell line. The growth of selected bacterial and fungal strains was well controlled by the membranes. Finally, the rate of degradation was successfully studied for a period of more than one and half a year. In a nut shell, the obtained results clearly revealed that the prepared membranes may find a suitable position in the class of biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amount of energy is being contemporarily expended in carrying out separation and purification operations via thermodynamically inefficient conventional processes. Membrane-based separation technology has recently gained much attractiveness owing to its energy efficient process, reliable operation, low maintenance requirements, economical effectiveness, molecularly selective separation, and compact designing. Highly permeable and selective polymer-based flat-sheet polyether sulfone-based membranes were prepared followed by their insertion into compact spiral-wound modules for efficient carbon capture in this work. Carbon capture efficiency of prepared membranes and corresponding modules was evaluated by trialing them under various operating conditions on a custom-built laboratory-scale rig. Impact of precipitation technique and temperature on carbon capture capacity of resulting membranes and modules can be comprehended by precipitating cast films either through solvent evaporation or water submersion at two distinct temperatures of 5 and 20 °C. CO2 permeability of water-immersed membrane having 57 Barrer was uplifted to 61 Barrer for solvent-evaporated membrane. CO2/N2 selectivity of water-precipitated membrane was improved from 6 to 11 by precipitating at 5 °C instead of 20 °C. Flexible and frail properties of water-precipitated amorphous membranes can be turned into robust and relatively rigid semi-crystalline films owing to solvent evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nafion, a widely utilized commercial membrane in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), presents significant limitations due to its cost and susceptibility to high methanol crossover. This study explores alternative membranes, focusing on Sodium Alginate/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) (SA/PVA) blends with montmorillonite (MMT) modification as an inorganic filler. The MMT content in the SA/PVA membrane was varied from 2 to 20 wt% using the solvent casting method. Optimally, 10 wt% MMT content demonstrated the highest proton conductivity (9.38 mScm−1) and the lowest methanol uptake (89.28%) at ambient temperature. The SA/PVA-MMT membrane exhibited superior thermal stability, optimal water absorption, and reduced methanol uptake, attributed to the electrostatic attraction within the sodium alginate and PVA polymer matrices interacting with H+, H3O+, and –OH ions. The homogeneous dispersion of 10 wt% MMT, along with its hydrophilic properties, facilitated an efficient proton transport channel in SA/PVA-MMT membranes. Increasing MMT content enhanced membrane hydrophilicity, indicating that 10 wt% MMT loading is crucial for adequate water intake to activate proton transfer. This study suggests that the developed membrane holds great potential as a cost-effective alternative with competent performance for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The natural outcome of coronary plaque in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unique, which can be analyzed quantitatively by optical flow ratio (OFR) software. Methods: A total of 184 ACS patients with at least one nonculprit subclinical atherosclerosis (NSA) detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and 1-year follow-up were divided into non-CKD group (n = 106, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)> 90 mL/(min×1.73 m2)) and mild CKD group (n = 78, 60≤eGFR<90 mL/(min×1.73 m2)). Changes of normalized total atheroma volume (TAVn) of NSA was the primary endpoint at the 1-year follow-up. Results: Patients with mild CKD showed more TAVn progression of NSA than non-CKD (p = 0.019) from baseline to the 1-year follow-up, which was mainly due to an increase in calcium TAVn (p<0.001). The morphological change in the maximal calcification thickness (p = 0.026) was higher and the change in the distance from the calcified surface to the contralateral coronary media membrane (ΔC-to-M) at the maximal cross-sectional calcium area was lower (p<0.001) in mild CKD group than in non-CKD group. Mild CKD had more NSA related MACEs at the 5-year follow-up than non-CKD (30.8% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.045). Conclusions: Mild CKD patients had more plaque progression of NSA which showed the increase of calcium component with more protrusion into the lumen morphologically at the 1-year follow-up and a higher corresponding incidence of NSA-related MACEs at the 5-year follow-up. Trial registration: Clinical Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT02140801. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02140801. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin continuous metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes have the potential to achieve high gas permeance and selectivity simultaneously for otherwise difficult gas separations, but with few exceptions for zeolitic‐imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) membranes, current methods cannot conveniently realize practical large‐area fabrication. Here, we propose a ligand back diffusion‐assisted bipolymer‐directed metal ion distribution strategy for preparing large‐area ultrathin MOF membranes on flexible polymeric support layers. The bipolymer directs metal ions to form a cross‐linked two‐dimensional (2D) network with a uniform distribution of metal ions on support layers. Ligand back diffusion controls the feed of ligand molecules available for nuclei formation, resulting in the continuous growth of large‐area ultrathin MOF membranes. We report the practical fabrication of three representative defect‐free MOF membranes with areas larger than 2,400 cm2 and ultrathin selective layers (50–130 nm), including ZIFs and carboxylate‐linker MOFs. Among these, the ZIF‐8 membrane displays high gas permeance of 3,979 GPU for C3H6, with good mixed gas selectivity (43.88 for C3H6/C3H8). To illustrate its scale‐up practicality, MOF membranes were prepared and incorporated into spiral‐wound membrane modules with an active area of 4,800 cm2. The ZIF‐8 membrane module presents high gas permeance (3,930 GPU for C3H6) with acceptable ideal gas selectivity (37.45 for C3H6/C3H8). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) show promising potential in anionic conduction due to their high stability and customizable functionality. However, the insolubility of most PAFs presents a significant challenge in their processing into membranes and subsequent applications. In this study, continuous PAF membranes with adjustable thickness were successfully created using liquid‐solid interfacial polymerization. The rigid backbone and the stable C−C coupling endow PAF membrane with superior chemical and dimensional stabilities over most conventional polymer membranes. Different quaternary ammonium functionalities were anchored to the backbone through flexible alkyl chains with tunable length. The optimal PAF membrane exhibited an OH− conductivity of 356.6 mS ⋅ cm−1 at 80 °C and 98 % relative humidity. Additionally, the PAF membrane exhibited outstanding alkaline stability, retaining 95 % of its OH− conductivity after 1000 hours in 1 M NaOH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of PAF materials in anion exchange membranes, achieving the highest OH− conductivity and exceptional chemical/dimensional stability. This work provides the possibility for the potential of PAF materials in anionic conductive membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) show promising potential in anionic conduction due to their high stability and customizable functionality. However, the insolubility of most PAFs presents a significant challenge in their processing into membranes and subsequent applications. In this study, continuous PAF membranes with adjustable thickness were successfully created using liquid‐solid interfacial polymerization. The rigid backbone and the stable C−C coupling endow PAF membrane with superior chemical and dimensional stabilities over most conventional polymer membranes. Different quaternary ammonium functionalities were anchored to the backbone through flexible alkyl chains with tunable length. The optimal PAF membrane exhibited an OH− conductivity of 356.6 mS ⋅ cm−1 at 80 °C and 98 % relative humidity. Additionally, the PAF membrane exhibited outstanding alkaline stability, retaining 95 % of its OH− conductivity after 1000 hours in 1 M NaOH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of PAF materials in anion exchange membranes, achieving the highest OH− conductivity and exceptional chemical/dimensional stability. This work provides the possibility for the potential of PAF materials in anionic conductive membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PDA/PEI modification technology is commonly employed to improve the resistance to membrane fouling of polymeric membranes used in the treatment of oily wastewater. Nevertheless, the surface characteristics of membrane materials frequently restrict the implementation of the modification technique in terms of both the amount and speed of deposition. The hydrophobic membranes, such as PVDF and PTFE, have a surface with very low surface free energy and only inert functional groups. This surface is not suitable for the deposition of PDA/PEI. This study utilized plasma etching treatment to break the C–H and C–F bonds on the surface of the PVDF membrane, resulting in the introduction of oxygen-containing functional groups. During the deposition process, the PDA/PEI exhibited a tendency to chemically connect to material surfaces that included oxygen-containing functional groups, such as –OH, by processes such as hydrogen bonding. During the modification procedure, the etched membrane experienced an increase in the mass of PDA/PEI deposition and the strength of interfacial bonding. As a result, the modified membrane acquired improved hydrophilicity and anti-fouling performance. In summary, this study offers useful insights for improving the surface properties of hydrophobic polymeric membranes to prevent membrane fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric membrane ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) have been widely used in environmental monitoring. However, in complicated marine environments, marine biofouling usually becomes a sticky problem for these electrodes. Herein, for the first time, a novel maintenance-free antifouling potentiometric marine sensor based on a self-polishing coating (SPC) is proposed. The SPC is synthesized by using the seeded emulsion polymerization method based on the triisopropylsilyl methacrylate monomer as the regulator of the self-renewal rate. This coating can be simply modified onto the electrode surface by drop-casting. The silyl acrylate side groups of the obtained SPC on the sensor surface can be hydrolyzed in the marine alkaline medium. The shear movement of seawater driven by sea waves, wind, gravity, or vibration removes the leftover (fouled) brittle polymer backbone and thus the fouling marine microorganisms. As a proof-of-concept experiment, a polymeric membrane Ca2+-ISE is chosen as a model. Compared to the unmodified electrode, the SPC-coated Ca2+-ISE exhibits remarkable improved antifouling properties in terms of superior anti-adhesive abilities towards marine microorganisms, such as bacterial cells and algae and excellent long-term stability even in the presence of high levels of marine microorganisms. Since no additional manual maintenance is required for maintaining the antifouling abilities of the sensor, the proposed self-polishing sensor may lay an important foundation for construction of unattended long-term potentiometric monitoring systems in real marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first application of a PVDF-HFP-based polymer inclusion membrane incorporating the poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as the base polymer and extractant for the extraction of bismuth(III), respectively. It is demonstrated that the PIM comprised of 60 wt% PVDF-HFP and 40 wt% D2EHPA is the most effective in the extraction of bismuth(III) from feed solution containing 20 mg L−1 bismuth(III) and 0.2 mol L−1 sulfate adjusted to pH 1.4. The extracted bismuth(III) ions are back-extracted quantitatively to the receiving solution containing 1 mol L−1 sulfuric acid. The stoichiometry experiments reveal that the Bi: D2EHPA ratio in the bismuth(III) extracted complex is 1:6, and D2EHPA is dimer. Moreover, it is shown that the studied PIM has high selectivity in the extraction of bismuth(III) over other interfering ions such as Mo(VI), Cr(III), Al(III), Fe(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Mn(II). The interference of Fe(III) is also eliminated by masking with fluoride, leading finally to a nearly pure extraction of bismuth(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fuel cells used for transport applications hold polymer membranes as a key element. Their efficiency can be significantly increased if structured ion channels are implemented at the molecular level into the proton‐conducting membrane. New functional molecules with selective affinity for ionomers are needed to obtain such a membrane design. This study presents a method to screen for selective peptide binders to perfluorinated sulfonic acid ionomers, e.g., Nafion using ultra‐high density peptide arrays with a spot size of up to 30 µm. First, the ionomer dispersion is incubated with the peptide chip containing 56014 randomly chosen 6‐mer peptides. Afterward, the peptide chip is washed. The peptide WIWHCW with the helix structure is identified as a selective binder to Nafion. The invariant amino acids responsible for binding are also determined using a peptide chip approach. The specific binding pocket of WIWHCW is formed by histidine and tryptophan. Its dissociation constant to the ionomer is measured at ≈140 µM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has been widely studied and applied as an effective analytical technology for the on-site detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Despite its superior selectivity compared with most gas sensors, its limited dynamic range is regarded as a major drawback, limiting its further application in quantitative measurements. In this work, we proposed a novel sample introduction method based on pulsed membrane adsorption, which effectively enhanced IMS's ability to measure analytes at higher concentrations. Taking N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as an example, this new sampling method expanded the dynamic range from 1 ppm to 200 ppm. The working principle and measurement strategy of this sampling method were also discussed, providing new insights for the design and application of IMS-based instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet‐of‐Things and Cyber‐Physical‐System applications demand compact power converters, which require inductors to have small footprints but considerable power handling abilities. 3D air‐core tubular inductors fabricated using the self‐rolled‐up membrane (S‐RuM) technology have demonstrated significantly higher inductance density compared to conventional planar structures. However, previous design options and associated performance are constrained by the resistive loss due to the thickness of the metal and magnetic coupling limited by the air core. Here, the study reports a post‐rolling electroplating scheme aimed at enhancing the metal conductivity and core magnetic permeability in S‐RuM inductors, all while maintaining their compact footprint. A DC resistance improvement of over 10X and an inductance enhancement of over 30X are achieved by the 3D S‐RuM inductors, via parallel‐processed Cu‐electroplated strips on the cylindrical shells and partially permalloy‐electroplated core. The improvement is projected to continue to improve as the entire core is filled. This advancement paves the way for scalable applications of this technology in ultra‐compact, low‐loss passive power electronics, such as converters and filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric membrane ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) have been widely used in environmental monitoring. However, in complicated marine environments, marine biofouling usually becomes a sticky problem for these electrodes. Herein, for the first time, a novel maintenance-free antifouling potentiometric marine sensor based on a self-polishing coating (SPC) is proposed. The SPC is synthesized by using the seeded emulsion polymerization method based on the triisopropylsilyl methacrylate monomer as the regulator of the self-renewal rate. This coating can be simply modified onto the electrode surface by drop-casting. The silyl acrylate side groups of the obtained SPC on the sensor surface can be hydrolyzed in the marine alkaline medium. The shear movement of seawater driven by sea waves, wind, gravity, or vibration removes the leftover (fouled) brittle polymer backbone and thus the fouling marine microorganisms. As a proof-of-concept experiment, a polymeric membrane Ca2+-ISE is chosen as a model. Compared to the unmodified electrode, the SPC-coated Ca2+-ISE exhibits remarkable improved antifouling properties in terms of superior anti-adhesive abilities towards marine microorganisms, such as bacterial cells and algae and excellent long-term stability even in the presence of high levels of marine microorganisms. Since no additional manual maintenance is required for maintaining the antifouling abilities of the sensor, the proposed self-polishing sensor may lay an important foundation for construction of unattended long-term potentiometric monitoring systems in real marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed matrix PVDF polymeric membranes were incorporated with β–CD grafted graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites (β–CD-g-GO) via nonsolvent induced phase separation method and used in the adsorption of congo red (CR) and methyl orange (MO) dyes. The incorporation of β–CD-g-GO (6 wt%) was found to improve the membrane physico-chemical properties and performance. The water content was increased by 24.26%, contact angle reduced from 84.17 to 62.97° while flux increased from 12.42 to 275.03 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. The membranes were able to remove 100% of CR at pH 7 and 99.4% of the MO dye at pH 5 within 240 min. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were well fitted to the pseudo second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model respectively. These results indicated that the adsorption of both dyes occurred via chemisorption and in a multilayer on a heterogeneous surface of the membranes. According to these findings, it was concluded that the adsorption mechanism was due to hydrogen bonding interactions between nitrogen and hydroxyl groups, inclusion complexation introduced by β–CD molecules and electrostatic interactions, between the negatively charged oxygen-containing groups of the membrane and the positively charged nitrogen and azo-linkages of the dye molecules. PVDF/β–CD-g-GO membranes have shown excellent adsorption efficiency towards azo dyes. This work indicates that the embedding of adsorptive GO-β–CD nanocomposites in PVDF membranes can remove anionic dyes from wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide ceramic membranes are known as a new generation of membrane products due to their excellent chemical stability and high flux advantages. This article, based on the PatSnap patent analysis, analyzes the global patents of silicon carbide ceramic membranes, preparation methods, devices and equipment, application-related patents, and applicants from perspectives of patent applications, patent layouts, and international patent classification technical categories. It concludes that the technological hotspots in the field of silicon carbide ceramic membranes are concentrated on improving separation efficiency through separation applications, providing a reference for the technical improvement, application, and patent layout of silicon carbide ceramic membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable Li metal batteries have the potential to meet the demands of high‐energy density batteries for electric vehicles and grid‐energy storage system applications. Achieving this goal, however, requires resolving not only safety concerns and a shortened battery cycle life arising from a combination of undesirable lithium dendrite and solid‐electrolyte interphase formations. Here, a series of microcrack‐free anionic network polymer membranes formed by a facile one‐step click reaction are reported, displaying a high cation conductivity of 3.1 × 10−5 S cm−1 at high temperature, a wide electrochemical stability window up to 5 V, a remarkable resistance to dendrite growth, and outstanding non‐flammability. These enhanced properties are attributed to the presence of tethered borate anions in microcrack‐free membranes, which benefits the acceleration of selective Li+ cations transport as well as suppression of dendrite growth. Ultimately, the microcrack‐free anionic network polymer membranes render Li metal batteries a safe and long‐cyclable energy storage device at high temperatures with a capacity retention of 92.7% and an average coulombic efficiency of 99.867% at 450 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilayer electrospun fibers aimed to be used for skin tissue engineering applications were fabricated for enhanced cell attachment and proliferation. Different ratios of PHBV-PLLA (70:30, 80:20, and 90:10 w/w) blends were electrospun on previously formed electrospun PHBV membranes to produce their bilayers. The fabricated electrospun membranes were characterized with FTIR, which conformed to the characteristic peaks assigned for both PHBV and PLLA. The surface morphology was evaluated using SEM analysis that showed random fibers with porous morphology. The fiber diameter and pore size were measured in the range of 0.7 ± 0.1 µm and 1.9 ± 0.2 µm, respectively. The tensile properties of the bilayers were determined using an electrodynamic testing system. Bilayers had higher elongation at break (44.45%) compared to the monolayers (28.41%) and improved ultimate tensile strength (7.940 MPa) compared to the PHBV monolayer (2.450 MPa). In vitro cytotoxicity of each of the scaffolds was determined via culturing MC3T3 (pre-osteoblastic cell line) on the membranes. Proliferation was evaluated using the Alamar Blue assay on days 3, 7, and 14, respectively. SEM images of cells cultured on membranes were taken in addition to bright field imaging to visually show cell attachment. Fluorescent nuclear staining performed with DAPI was imaged with an inverted fluorescent microscope. The fabricated bilayer shows high mechanical strength as well as biocompatibility with good cell proliferation and cell attachment, showing potential for skin substitute applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review, addressing developers, users, and researchers of PEM water electrolysis stacks, provides a detailed overview of the most important degradation mechanisms, the underlying influencing factors, and the resulting impact on system component degradation. By investigating the significance and the consequences of the degradation mechanisms on stack performance and life-time, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and impacts associated with PEM water electrolysis technology. Possible qualitative and quantitative statements based on observed degradation phenomena on stack and single cell level as well as from ex-situ examinations are evaluated. The most common diagnostic tools, based on electrochemical, imaging, and physical analysis methods, as well as elemental and structural analysis are described in an application-oriented manner regarding their advantages, possibilities, and limits. [Display omitted] • Review and explanation of the degradation mechanism of PEM water electrolysis cells. • Summary and evaluation of operating conditions regarding their damaging effects. • Evaluation of possible statements based on observed degradation phenomena. • Summary and application-oriented description of most relevant analysis methods. • The relevance of single-cell or ex-situ analysis for stack development is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water electrolyzers will ensure energy security and power grid stability in energy systems based on fluctuating renewable energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaics. In this article, the effects of volatile energy generation on the operating conditions within polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers are investigated. Based on experiments on a 100 kW el test station, it is concluded that isothermal and isobaric operation is unattainable and temperature deviations between −7 K and 3 K from their setpoint are observed. Pressure control on the hydrogen side is more challenging than on the oxygen side. Temperature decreases due to non-ideal temperature control overall decrease the mean efficiency during dynamic operation as compared to steady-state, with wind power reaching 73.70 % LHV and solar power yielding 71.90 % LHV. Finally, adaptions of electrolyzer designs and operation strategies are discussed, that could reduce negative effects of system dynamics on process efficiency. • System analysis is performed to identify inherent bottlenecks to dynamic operation. • Experimental investigation of characteristic load profiles on 100 kW el electrolyzer. • Evaluation of operation profiles reveals PV to be more challenging than wind power. • Dynamic operation appears to lower the overall hydrogen production efficiency. • Potential strategies to mitigate negative effects of system dynamics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper explores into the extensive realm of alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), a transformative technology for hydrogen production, offering profound insights and future prospects for sustainable growth. It embarks on this journey by explaining the fundamental principles, the application of Faraday's laws, electrolyzer design, and the intricate electrochemical processes transpiring at the cathode and anode. Subsequently, it investigates electrode materials, catalysts, membrane material and their recent developments, unveiling essential aspects of material selection and performance enhancement. The exploration extends to the domain of alkaline electrolyte solutions, where it provides a comprehensive overview of common electrolytes, the impact of concentration on system performance, and pioneering research on alternative electrolytes. Shifting focus towards large-scale systems and industrial applications, the paper unravels the economic feasibility, considerations regarding costs, and the transformative influence of alkaline water electrolysis on diverse industries. The final segment is dedicated to emerging trends and future directions. It casts light on recent breakthroughs and the potential for commercialization, presenting a vivid image of the evolving role of this technology in the sustainable energy landscape. The conclusive segment, this review offers a recapitulation of the key discoveries and insights presented throughout the paper, while delivering a critical evaluation of the present state of alkaline water electrolysis. It emphasizes the potential of the technology while recognizing critical research areas such as electrode materials, safety standards, scaling efficiency, flexible operation, and surface modification techniques. In the rapidly changing energy scenario, this paper stands as a testament to the dynamic nature of alkaline water electrolysis and its pivotal role in a sustainable energy future. • Identifying different alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) cell efficiencies and transport resistances. • Insights into recent development in electrodes, catalysts, and separator membranes materials. • Recognizing recently examined alkaline electrolytes. • Recent and emerging trends in AWE including the use of electromagnetic field and pulsating potential. • Perspectives of scaling up AWE and its industrial commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials with high chemical stability have attracted intensive interest in membrane design for the separation of organic solvents. As a novel 2D material, polymeric fullerenes (C60)∞ with distinctive properties are very promising for the development of innovative membranes. In this work, we report the construction of a 2D (C60)∞ nanosheet membrane for organic solvent separation. The pathways of the (C60)∞ nanosheet membrane are constructed by sub‐1‐nm lateral channels and nanoscale in‐plane pores created by the depolymerization of the (C60)∞ nanosheets. Attributing to ordered and shortened transport pathways, the ultrathin porous (C60)∞ membrane is superior in organic solvent separation. The hexane, acetone, and methanol fluxes are up to 1146.3±53, 900.4±41, and 879.5±42 kg ⋅ m−2 ⋅ h−1, respectively, which are up to 130 times higher than those of the state‐of‐the‐art membranes with similar dye rejection. Our findings demonstrate the prospect of 2D (C60)∞ as a promising nanofiltration membrane in the separation of organic solvents from macromolecular compounds such as dyes, drugs, hormones, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials with high chemical stability have attracted intensive interest in membrane design for the separation of organic solvents. As a novel 2D material, polymeric fullerenes (C60)∞ with distinctive properties are very promising for the development of innovative membranes. In this work, we report the construction of a 2D (C60)∞ nanosheet membrane for organic solvent separation. The pathways of the (C60)∞ nanosheet membrane are constructed by sub‐1‐nm lateral channels and nanoscale in‐plane pores created by the depolymerization of the (C60)∞ nanosheets. Attributing to ordered and shortened transport pathways, the ultrathin porous (C60)∞ membrane is superior in organic solvent separation. The hexane, acetone, and methanol fluxes are up to 1146.3±53, 900.4±41, and 879.5±42 kg ⋅ m−2 ⋅ h−1, respectively, which are up to 130 times higher than those of the state‐of‐the‐art membranes with similar dye rejection. Our findings demonstrate the prospect of 2D (C60)∞ as a promising nanofiltration membrane in the separation of organic solvents from macromolecular compounds such as dyes, drugs, hormones, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination by oily wastes continues to rise with industrialization and pose a threat to marine ecosystem and public health. Water repellent special wettability membranes have been fabricated for oil removal. These superhydrophobic membranes have been fabricated utilizing hazardous chemicals such as fluorinated compounds, which again have shown toxicity. In contrast, environmentally friendly separation membranes are required for oily wastewater treatment. In this regard, we fabricated underwater superoleophobic membrane based on β‐cyclodextrin and acrylamide for efficient and effective water‐oil separation. Acrylamide polymeric membrane was prepared by free radical co‐polymerisation by incorporating acrylic acid and β‐cyclodextrin as monomer via crosslinking with N,N‐methylene bis‐acrylamide. FT‐IR and PXRD used for characterizing the prepared hydrogel and studied for morphological analysis by FE‐SEM. The oil and water wetting characterization of gels were evaluated, in ambient and submerged conditions. The dried gel showed gradual decrease of contact angle for both oil and water indicating liquid absorption with time. However, in completely water wetted state hydrogel was superoleophobic with a very high oil contact angle of ≥170°. The pre‐wetted hydrogel efficiently and effectively separated oil/water mixtures with ~99 % separation efficiency. Additionally, its effectiveness was monitored over several days of continuous separation operation. Interestingly, the hydrogel was also able to remove dye from water. The underwater superoleophobic acrylamide‐β‐cyclodextrin hydrogel demonstrated high oil recovery efficiency and indicated the potential for repeated oil‐water separation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new construction of a potentiometric sensor was introduced for the first time. It relies on the use of two membranes instead of one, as in the well-known coated-disc electrode. For this purpose, a new electrode body was constructed, including not one, but two glassy carbon discs covered with an ion-selective membrane. This solution allows for the sensor properties to be enhanced without using additional materials (layers or additives) on the membrane. The new construction is particularly useful for in situ measurements in environmental samples. Two ion-selective polymeric membranes were used, namely H+ and K+-selective membranes, to confirm the universality of the idea. The tests conducted included chronopotentiometric tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiometric measurements. The electrical and analytical parameters of the sensors were evaluated and compared for all tested electrodes to evaluate the properties of the planar electrode versus previously known constructions. Research has shown that the application of two membranes instead of one allows for the resistance of an electrode to be lowered and for the electrical capacitance to be elevated. Improving the electrical properties of an electrode resulted in the enhancement of its analytical properties. The pH measurement range of the planar electrode is 2–11, which is much wider in contrast to that of the single-membrane electrode. The linear range of the K+-selective planar electrode is wider than that of the coated-disc electrode and equals 10−6 to 10−1 M. The response time turned out to be a few seconds shorter, and the potential drift was smaller due to the application of an additional membrane in the electrode construction. This research creates a new opportunity to design robust potentiometric sensors, as the presented construction is universal and can be used to obtain electrodes selective to various ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers are excited about the latest advances in the long needle electrospinning and the bubble electrospinning, which have triggered widespread concern. This paper offers a new angle for modifying both methods, the former is developed into a modified one with an auxiliary helix needle, which is used for fabrication of super-hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride-copolypolyhexafluoropropylene nanofiber membrane (PH-E membrane for short), and the latter is extended to a bubble electrostatic spaying, which is used for spraying PDMS microspheres on the PH-E membrane surface, and the resultant membrane is called as the PDMSPH-E membrane. Both membranes hydrophobicity, surface roughness, porosity, and wetting property are measured and compared, and the drop impact dynamical property of the PDMS-PH-E membrane has opened the path for a new way to design of self-clearing and anti-fouling and antiwetting surfaces. Far-reaching applications of the membranes include energy harvesting devices and sensors. We anticipate this article to be a starting point for more sophisticated study of the bubble electrostatic spaying and PDMS-PH-E membrane advanced applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is to mimic the long transporting process of proteins in the spider spinning, and a long and helical needle electrospinning technology is proposed, the polyvinylidene fluoride solution is used to study the effects of needle helix spirals on the micromorphology, mechanical property, electrical property, porosity, and hydrophobic property of polyvinylidene fluoride nanofiber membranes. The results showed that there is a threshold value for the helix spirals helical pitch, and its spider-inspired mechanism is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high-performance membranes selective for carbon dioxide is critically important for advancing energy-efficient carbon dioxide capture technologies. Although molecular sieves have long been attractive membrane materials, turning them into practical membrane applications has been challenging. Here, we introduce an innovative approach for crafting a polymeric molecular sieve membrane to achieve outstanding carbon dioxide separation performance while upholding the mechanical stability. First, a polymer molecular sieve membrane having high gas permeability and mechanical stability was fabricated from a judiciously designed polymer that is solution-processable, hyper-cross-linkable, and functionalizable. Then, the carbon dioxide selectivity was fine-tuned by the subsequent introduction of various amine-based carriers. Among the diverse amines, polyethyleneimine stands out by functionalizing the larger pore region while preserving ultramicropores, leading to improved carbon dioxide/dinitrogen separation performance. The optimized membrane demonstrates exceptional carbon dioxide/dinitrogen separation performance, outperforming other reported polymer molecular sieve membranes and even competing favorably with most carbon molecular sieve membranes reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tröger's-based polymeric membranes have received tremendous attention for their inherent high free volume and excellent gas permeability. However, its selectivity was still unable to meet their industrial demand. In effort to achieve an optimization comprehensive performance, a set of homogeneous polymer chains was synthesized to fine-tune the free volume. These membranes were designed by copolymerization diamine moiety of 3, 3′-dimethylbiphenyl-4, 4′-diamine and 2, 2-bis [4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl] hexafluoropropane. Significant characterizations of their physical properties and chemical structures were carried out by FTIR, TGA, XRD, and mechanical strength. The effects of variation diamine content ratio were studied. An available simulation was carried out to elucidate the influence of introduced diamine. The permselectivity of membranes was evaluated by H 2 , CO 2 , O 2 , N 2 , and CH 4. The objective performances of feed gas pressure, test temperature, and aging stability on membranes were further studied. The exciting results demonstrated that our membranes exhibit improved gas performance. Notably, for H 2 separation, the H 2 /N 2 and H 2 /CH 4 selectivity was significantly enhanced by 125.7% (from 27.20 to 61.40) and 126.9% (from 30.41 to 69.02) with the addition of 30 mol% fluorinated diamine moiety while without much-compromising gas permeability was observed. These findings enlighten a facile and effective strategy in Tröger's-based polymer design towards high-purity gas separation. • Composite Tröger's-based polymeric membrane was prepared for gas separation. • Fluorinated aryl ether moiety diamine was used to tuning the free volume of membranes. • The H 2 /N 2 and H 2 /CH 4 selectivity was enhanced by 125.7 % and 126.9 % with the addition of 30 mol% diamine. • The attracted H 2 /CH 4 performance was very approached to the 2008 Robeson's upper bound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]