Recent Advances in Polymer Inclusion Membranes

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) have seen significant advancements in recent years, driven by their applications in separation technologies, environmental remediation, and chemical sensing. PIMs are composite materials consisting of a polymer matrix, a plasticizer, and functional agents such as carriers or extractants. Recent advances in PIM technology include the following issues:

1. Enhanced selectivity and efficiency:

The development of new carriers has improved the selectivity and efficiency of PIMs for specific ions and molecules. For instance, ionic liquids and task-specific carriers are being integrated into PIMs to target heavy metals and organic pollutants with higher selectivity. Functionalized polymers, by modifying the polymer backbone with functional groups that can interact with specific analytes, have increased the binding affinity and selectivity of PIMs.

2. Improved mechanical and chemical stability:

The use of advanced polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has enhanced the mechanical strength and chemical resistance of PIMs, making them more durable and versatile in harsh environments. Cross-linking techniques, e.g., cross-linking the polymer matrix, can significantly improve the stability and longevity of PIMs under various operational conditions.

3. Environmental applications:

PIMs are increasingly being used for the removal of contaminants from water, including heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, as well as organic pollutants such as dyes and pharmaceuticals. Innovations in PIM composition have led to higher removal efficiencies and faster processing times. Recent studies have focused on the application of PIMs in gas separation processes, such as carbon dioxide capture from flue gases. Enhanced gas selectivity and permeability are achieved by incorporating specific carriers and optimizing membrane structure.

4. Sensing and detection:

PIMs are being developed for use in chemical sensors to detect low concentrations of various analytes. The integration of PIMs with optical and electrochemical transducers has led to highly sensitive and selective sensors for environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics. PIMs are used in the fabrication of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) for potentiometric sensing. Advances in membrane composition and design have improved the selectivity, sensitivity, and response time of these sensors.

5. Sustainable and green chemistry:

Efforts are being made to develop PIMs using biodegradable and renewable polymers to reduce the environmental impact of these materials. Polylactic acid (PLA) and other bio-based polymers are being explored as alternatives to traditional synthetic polymers. The use of green solvents and environmentally friendly plasticizers in the fabrication of PIMs is gaining attention, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint of the production process.

6. Process optimization and scalability:

Advances in fabrication techniques, such as phase inversion and electrospinning, are enabling the scalable production of PIMs with controlled porosity and thickness, which are crucial for consistent performance in industrial applications. Research is focused on reducing the production costs of PIMs by optimizing the use of raw materials and streamlining the fabrication process, making these membranes more economically viable for large-scale applications.

In summary, recent advances in polymer inclusion membranes involve significant improvements in selectivity, stability, environmental applications, sensing capabilities, sustainability, and process optimization. These advancements are paving the way for broader adoption and more effective use of PIMs in various industrial and environmental applications.

This Special Issue is devoted to “Recent Advances in Polymer Inclusion Membranes”. Authors are invited to submit their contributions in the form of research articles (based on either lab-scale or pilot-scale experiments or simulation results), technical reporting, case studies, and critical reviews.

Dr. Anna Nowik-Zaja̧c
Dr. Iwona Zawierucha
Guest Editors

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• polymer inclusion membranes
• novel materials for PIMs
• PIM characterization methods and interpretation
• separation processes
• membrane technologies
• composite/nanocomposite membranes
• PIM-based sensors
• metal ions