Development of a high‐performance polysulfone hybrid ultrafiltration membrane using hydrophilic polymer‐functionalized mesoporous SBA − 15 as filler

Abstract

A novel polysulfone hybrid ultrafiltration membrane was developed by blending hydrophilic poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] [P(PEGMA)] grafted mesoporous SBA‐15 [SBA‐g‐P(PEGMA)] as filler. The hydrophilic SBA‐g‐P(PEGMA) fillers were synthesized via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The effects of the SBA‐g‐P(PEGMA) fillers on the prepared hybrid membranes were systematically investigated. Compared with pristine SBA‐15 fillers, SBA‐g‐P(PEGMA) fillers contributed to higher hydrophilicity and a more developed pore structure in the hybrid membranes. Specifically, SBA‐15 grafted with a moderate P(PEGMA) molecular weight could better preserve the valid open‐ended filler pore structure in the membrane matrix, thus facilitating membrane permeability. The pure water flux of the as‐prepared polysulfone (PSF)/SBA‐g‐P(PEGMA) membrane was three times that of the PSF/SBA‐15 membrane (271.7 L m−2 h−1 vs. 88.2 L m−2 h−1) with similar membrane selectivity. Moreover, the PSF/SBA‐g‐P(PEGMA) membranes showed improved antifouling property. This work paves the way for developing high‐performance hybrid membranes by blending of hydrophilic polymer‐functionalized mesoporous fillers in the future. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47353.

Porous Membranes with Special Wettabilities: Designed Fabrication and Emerging Application

“…In recent years, the mesoporous powders have been incorporated into various commercial polymeric matrixes to expand the applicability of mesoporous materials for reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and desalination. [107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115] Compared with the pristine polymer membranes, the hybrid composite thin films possess improved hydrophilicity and adsorption capacity and other functionalities depending on the inherent properties of the doped mesoporous materials. In general, mesoporous particles with different pore structures and chemical compositions were fixed in PVDF, 107 polysulfone (PSU), [108][109][110][111] poly(ether imide) (PEI), 112 and polyamide (PA) 113 via either physical infusion or chemical interfacial polymerization process, demonstrating superior removal efficiency for contaminants in water.…”

“…[107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115] Compared with the pristine polymer membranes, the hybrid composite thin films possess improved hydrophilicity and adsorption capacity and other functionalities depending on the inherent properties of the doped mesoporous materials. In general, mesoporous particles with different pore structures and chemical compositions were fixed in PVDF, 107 polysulfone (PSU), [108][109][110][111] poly(ether imide) (PEI), 112 and polyamide (PA) 113 via either physical infusion or chemical interfacial polymerization process, demonstrating superior removal efficiency for contaminants in water. For instance, Wang et al 114 prepared PVDF/mesoporous TiO 2 hybrid membranes via a dual-templated method coupled with the solvent extraction.…”

Recent Advances in the Preparation and Applications of Organo‐functionalized Porous Materials

“…introduced hydrophilicity in SBA‐15 through a simple hybridization with a hydrophilic polysulfone blended with poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate. The hydrophilic property helped to enhance the water flux of this unique hybrid system which also exhibited antifouling properties . Basicity can also be introduced on the surface of the SBA‐15 materials through functionalization with triethylenetetramine chelating agent.…”

Light‐Responsive Polymer Membranes

“…Wang et al investigated the properties of a polysulfone hybrid ultrafiltration membrane incorporating SBA‐15 mesoporous silica functionalized with poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate]. The water permeability and antifouling properties of such hybrid membranes were enhanced with respect to SBA‐15‐free membranes and the membrane selectivity was not altered …”