Synthesis of sphere-like polyelectrolyte complexes and their homogeneous membranes for enhanced pervaporation performances in ethanol dehydration

Surface characterization and Remazol Red adsorption by asymmetric polyethersulfone membranes modified by polyelectrolyte complexes

“…Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are formed by the electrostatic interaction between polymers of opposite charges 1 and can be used in a wide range of applications, such as controlled drug release, [2][3][4][5][6][7] flocculation processes in the textile industry, 8 enhancement of the strength of paper and cotton, 9,10 and heavy metal retention. [11][12][13] PECs are also useful materials as membrane additives due to characteristics such as hydrophilicity, chemical stability, anti-fouling properties, and the possibility of adjusting the surface charge.…”

“…14 Numerous works have modified membranes to increase hydrophilicity and performance by depositing PEC solutions on the surfaces, which are usually porous. 1,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Interfacial complexation is another common method, which consists of fixing a polyelectrolyte (PEL) on a surface and immersing the loaded substrate in diluted PEL solutions of opposite charges, obtaining membranes, or layers of PECs. The layers of PELs formed are generally supported by commercial membranes.…”

A Novel Family of Stable Polyelectrolyte Complexes Based on Mixed Olefins–Maleic Anhydride Copolymer

“…Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are a special class of polymeric materials with three-dimensional macromolecular structures constructed by associating oppositely charged polyelectrolytes in aqueous solution . Due to their intriguing properties, they have stimulated considerable interest among researchers and demonstrated great application prospect as flocculants, , homogeneous membranes, − dispersants, drug delivery carriers, etc. For instance, Andrew et al have engineered a PEC membrane that shows specific adhesion of various cell types for both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems .…”

“…Besides various preparation conditions, the formation of PECs nanoparticles is affected profoundly by the inherent properties of polycation/polyanion components . Therefore, great efforts have been made to expand the scope of polycations and polyanions for PECs .…”

“…12 Wing et al have synthesized PECs composed of hypromellose-g-chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose with a drug encapsulation efficiency of over 90% for all drugs tested. 13 Besides various preparation conditions, 5 the formation of PECs nanoparticles is affected profoundly by the inherent properties 7 of polycation/polyanion components. 14 Therefore, great efforts have been made to expand the scope of polycations and polyanions for PECs.…”