Bioadhesion-inspired fabrication of robust thin-film composite membranes with tunable solvent permeation properties

摘要: Dopamine chemistry arising from marine mussel bioadhesion principles has attracted growing interest in designing and fabricating robust thin films/membranes for various chemical separation processes. In this study, inspired by the whole adhesion system of mussels, polydopamine nanoparticles (PDNPs) are employed to fabricate thin-film composite (TFC) membranes via conventional interfacial polymerization method. To be specific, PDNPs dispersed into aqueous polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution so as construct “cross-linked particles matrix” architectures. The incorporated found play two major functions: (1) reduce hydrophilicity membrane surface enhance permeate flux non-polar organic solvents; (2) react with PEI result covalent bonding between fillers polymer matrix, which not only effectively inhibits chain mobility enhances solvent resistance, but also enables size-dependent selectivity. Compared three-layer a interlayer is present layer porous support layer, TFC mixed-matrix active shows enhanced swelling resistance rejection ability, hinting that can reinforce entire membrane, rather than merely region. addition, gradual increment ratio slight decrement during constant 720 min test show excellent operational stability membrane.