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.