In this study, a highly perm-selective thin-film composite (TFC) nanofilm was successfully developed via silicification interlayer-mediated interfacial polymerization.

No abstract

A highly permselective nanofiltration membrane was engineered via zwitterionic copolymer assembly regulated interfacial polymerization (IP). The copolymer was molecularly synthesized using single-step free-radical polymerization between 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride (AEMA) (P­[MPC-co-AEMA]). The dynamic network of P­[MPC-co-AEMA] served as a regulator to precisely control the kinetics of the reaction by decelerating the transport of piperazine toward the water/hexane interface, forming a polyamide (PA) membrane with ultralow thickness of 70 nm, compared to that of the pristine PA (230 nm). Concomitantly, manipulating the phosphate moieties of P­[MPC-co-AEMA] integrated into the PA matrix enabled the formation of ridge-shaped nanofilms with loose internal architecture exhibiting enhanced inner-pore interconnectivity. The resultant P­[MPC-co-AEMA]-incorporated PA membrane exhibited a high water permeance of 15.7 L·m–2·h–1·bar–1 (more than 3-fold higher than that of the pristine PA [4.4 L·m–2·h–1·bar–1]), high divalent salt rejection of 98.3%, and competitive mono-/divalent ion selectivity of 52.9 among the state-of-the-art desalination membranes.

No abstract

Low cost superhydrophobic/superlipophilic sponge with superior flame retardancy is promising for impactful oil/water separation. Herein, a superhydrophobic silanized boron nitride nanosheet-infused sponge (SBNIS) with a water contact angle (WCA) of 165°was fabricated through a facile bioinspired covalent interaction (inspired by the marine mussels). By combining the properties of boron nitride nanosheets (outstanding chemical stability) and silane (intrinsic hydrophobicity), the resultant biomimetic superhydrophobic sponge shows exceptional oil absorb capacity (maximum 99 times of its own weight) and superior stability (over 20 separation cycles) even in extremely harsh circumstances (strong acid, alkali, salt). Notably, the asfabricated sponge displays excellent flame retardancy and compressive strength, manifesting potential applications in long-term practical operation. Accordingly, this strategy may open an avenue for the rational design of an advanced superhydrophobic sponge with excellent repeatability and stability.