Next generation pH responsive isoporous antifouling nanomembranes deriving from block copolymers

The present research is focused on design of novel materials for applications in water-permeable or pH-responsive micro-membranes. An in-situ study of these materials under controlled humidity will be performed in which we will monitor swelling of PEO and P4VP blocks. Given that P4VP is hydrophilic only at acidic pH values, the selective (pH-variable) block swelling and its impact on adopted morphologies present an important phenomenon to be explored. Water permeability can be adjusted by the design of these materials, depending on the chosen pH value. The study will target understanding the bulk phase-separated morphologies, including the ones where PEO forms crystalline structures, and comparing them to the molten or swollen state of the specific polymer segment.

本研究聚焦于用于透水或pH响应型微膜的新型材料设计。我们将在受控湿度条件下对这些材料开展原位研究，监测PEO与P4VP嵌段的溶胀行为。鉴于P4VP仅在酸性pH值下具有亲水性，选择性（pH可变）嵌段溶胀及其对所形成形貌的影响是一个值得探索的重要现象。通过设计此类材料，可根据所选pH值调节水渗透性。本研究旨在阐明本体相分离形貌（包括PEO形成晶体结构的形貌），并将其与特定聚合物链段的熔融或溶胀状态进行对比分析。