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Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterization to Applications

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A special issue of Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymeric Membranes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 28834

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jong Suk Lee

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Korea
Interests: membranes; sorbents; barriers

Prof. Dr. Hyuk Taek Kwon

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemical Engineering, Pukyong National University, 45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, 48513, Korea
Interests: separation; membrane; adsorbent; catalysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled “Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterizations to Applications” focuses on advanced polymeric membranes with various applications, including gas separation, water purification, and biomedical devices. Important aspects of the Special Issue will be design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers and the associated polymeric membranes in terms of applications.

This Issue accepts high-quality research articles as well as review articles. Given your insightful works in the field, we invite you and your colleagues to submit a contribution to this Special Issue in which some leading experts will describe their works, ideas, and findings.

Prof. Dr. Jong Suk Lee
Prof. Dr. Hyuk Taek Kwon
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Polymer
Separation
Membrane
Characterizations
Applications

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 6319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Membrane-Forming Aromatic Co-Poly(amide-imide)s: Influence of the Chemical Structure on the Morphological, Thermal and Transport Properties

by Svetlana V. Kononova, Danila A. Kuznetsov, Galina N. Gubanova, Elena V. Kruchinina, Anatoly Ya. Volkov, Milana E. Vylegzhanina, Elena N. Vlasova and Boris Z. Volchek

Membranes 2022, 12(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12010091 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1560

Abstract

Polymer film membranes are used to solve specific separation problems that dictate structural requirements. Structural and morphological parameters of film membranes based on glassy polyheteroarylenes can be controlled in the process of preparation from solutions that opens up prospects for obtaining structured membranes required for targeted separation. In the case of aromatic poly(amide-imide)s, the possibility of controlling film formation and structure virtually has not been studied. In the present work, a series of homologous co-poly(amide-imide)s differing in the number of repeating units with carboxyl-substituted aromatic fragments was synthesized by polycondensation. Comparative analysis of the processes of formation of membranes with different morphologies based on these polymers under equal conditions was performed. New information was obtained about the influence of the amounts of carboxyl groups and the residual solvent on structural properties of asymmetric membranes. The influence of these factors on transport properties of dense membranes under pervaporation conditions was studied. It was demonstrated that in the case of carboxyl-containing poly(amide-imide)s, the domains formed during film preparation had a significant effect on membrane properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterization to Applications)

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20 pages, 3156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving EDLC Device Performance Constructed from Plasticized Magnesium Ion Conducting Chitosan Based Polymer Electrolytes via Metal Complex Dispersion

by Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Elham M. A. Dannoun, M. H. Hamsan, Rebar T. Abdulwahid, Kuldeep Mishra, Muaffaq M. Nofal and M. F. Z. Kadir

Membranes 2021, 11(4), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11040289 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2943

Abstract

The current work shows the preparation of plasticized chitosan-magnesium acetate Mg(CH₃COO)₂-based polymer electrolyte dispersed with nickel (Ni) metal complexes via solution casting. Investigations of electrical and electrochemical properties of the prepared polymer composite electrolyte were carried out. The structural and optical properties of the samples were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis spectroscopy techniques. The structural and optical outcomes revealed a clear enhancement in both absorbance and amorphous nature of the samples upon the addition of Ni metal complexes. Through the simulation of impedance data, various ion transport parameters were calculated. The electrochemical performance of the sample was examined by means of transference number measurement (TNM), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. The TNM analysis confirmed the dominance of ions as the main charge carrier in the electrolyte with t_ion of (0.96) compared to only (0.04) for t_el. The present electrolyte was stable in the range of 0 V to 2.4 V, which was obtained from linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). A result from CV proved that the electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) has a capacitive behavior as no redox peaks could be observed. The presence of Ni improved the charge–discharge cycle of the EDLC due to its amorphous behavior. The average performances of the EDLC were recorded as 41.7 F/g, 95%, 5.86 Wh/kg and 628 W/kg for specific capacitance, coulombic efficiency, energy and power densities, respectively. The fabricated EDLC device was found to be stable up to 1000 cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterization to Applications)

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10 pages, 3360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Gel Polymer Electrolyte Reinforced Membrane for Lithium-Ion Batteries via the Simultaneous-Irradiation of the Electron Beam

by Jian Hou, In Kee Park, Woo Ju Cha and Chang Hyun Lee

Membranes 2021, 11(3), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11030219 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3089

Abstract

In this research, a series of innovative and stable cross-linked gel polymer reinforced membranes (GPRMs), were successfully prepared and investigated for application in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a gel directly within the commercial polyethylene (PE) separator is supported via electron-beam simultaneous irradiation cross-linking of commercial liquid electrolyte and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) oligomers. The physical and electrochemical properties of the GPRMs were characterized by SEM, TEM, mechanical durability, heating shrinkage, and ion conductivity, etc. The GPRMs demonstrated excellent mechanical durability and high ion conductivity compared with traditional PE membranes. Moreover, coin-typed cells were assembled and cycle performance was also studied compared with same-typed cells with commercial PE membrane and liquid electrolyte. As a result, the coin-typed cells using GPRMs also showed a relatively good efficiency on the 50th cycles at a high 1.0 C-rate. These GPRMs with excellent properties present a very promising material for utilization in high-performance lithium-ion batteries with improved safety and reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterization to Applications)

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16 pages, 5572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validity of Three-Dimensional Tortuous Pore Structure and Fouling of Hemoconcentration Capillary Membrane Using the Tortuous Pore Diffusion Model and Scanning Probe Microscopy

by Makoto Fukuda, Hiroki Yoshimoto, Hitoshi Saomoto and Kiyotaka Sakai

Membranes 2020, 10(11), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes10110315 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2619

Abstract

Hemoconcentration membranes used in cardiopulmonary bypass require a pore structure design with high pure water permeability, which does not allow excessive protein adsorption and useful protein loss. However, studies on hemoconcentration membranes have not been conducted yet. The purpose of this study was to analyze three-dimensional pore structures and protein fouling before and after blood contact with capillary membranes using the tortuous pore diffusion model and a scanning probe microscope system. We examined two commercially available capillary membranes of similar polymer composition that are successfully used in hemoconcentration clinically. Assuming the conditions of actual use in cardiopulmonary bypass, bovine blood was perfused inside the lumens of these membranes. Pure water permeability before and after bovine blood perfusion was measured using dead-end filtration. The scanning probe microscopy system was used for analysis. High-resolution three-dimensional pore structures on the inner surface of the membranes were observed before blood contact. On the other hand, many pore structures after blood contact could not be observed due to protein fouling. The pore diameters calculated by the tortuous pore diffusion model and scanning probe microscopy were mostly similar and could be validated reciprocally. Achievable pure water permeabilities showed no difference, despite protein fouling on the pore inlets (membrane surface). In addition, low values of albumin sieving coefficient are attributable to protein fouling that occurs on the membrane surface. Therefore, it is essential to design the membrane structure that provides the appropriate control of fouling. The characteristics of the hemoconcentration membranes examined in this study are suitable for clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterization to Applications)

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Review

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34 pages, 4963 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Polymer Precursors of Carbon Molecular Sieve Membranes for Olefin/Paraffin Separation

by Seong-Joong Kim, YongSung Kwon, DaeHun Kim, Hosik Park, Young Hoon Cho, Seung-Eun Nam and You-In Park

Membranes 2021, 11(7), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11070482 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4467

Abstract

Carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes have been developed to replace or support energy-intensive cryogenic distillation for olefin/paraffin separation. Olefin and paraffin have similar molecular properties, but can be separated effectively by a CMS membrane with a rigid, slit-like pore structure. A variety of polymer precursors can give rise to different outcomes in terms of the structure and performance of CMS membranes. Herein, for olefin/paraffin separation, the CMS membranes derived from a number of polymer precursors (such as polyimides, phenolic resin, and polymers of intrinsic microporosity, PIM) are introduced, and olefin/paraffin separation properties of those membranes are summarized. The effects from incorporation of inorganic materials into polymer precursors and from a pyrolysis process on the properties of CMS membranes are also reviewed. Finally, the prospects and future directions of CMS membranes for olefin/paraffin separation and aging issues are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterization to Applications)

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33 pages, 8587 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Roles of Membrane Technology in Artificial Organs: Current Challenges and Perspectives

by Bao Tran Duy Nguyen, Hai Yen Nguyen Thi, Bich Phuong Nguyen Thi, Dong-Ku Kang and Jeong F. Kim

Membranes 2021, 11(4), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11040239 - 28 Mar 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8268

Abstract

The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reasserted the necessity of artificial lung membrane technology to treat patients with acute lung failure. In addition, the aging world population inevitably leads to higher demand for better artificial organ (AO) devices. Membrane technology is the central component in many of the AO devices including lung, kidney, liver and pancreas. Although AO technology has improved significantly in the past few decades, the quality of life of organ failure patients is still poor and the technology must be improved further. Most of the current AO literature focuses on the treatment and the clinical use of AO, while the research on the membrane development aspect of AO is relatively scarce. One of the speculated reasons is the wide interdisciplinary spectrum of AO technology, ranging from biotechnology to polymer chemistry and process engineering. In this review, in order to facilitate the membrane aspects of the AO research, the roles of membrane technology in the AO devices, along with the current challenges, are summarized. This review shows that there is a clear need for better membranes in terms of biocompatibility, permselectivity, module design, and process configuration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterization to Applications)

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16 pages, 6074 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Thin-Film Composite Nanofiltration Membranes for Non-Polar Solvents

by Seungmin Lee, Taewon Kang, Jong Young Lee, Jiyu Park, Seoung Ho Choi, Jin-Yeong Yu, Serin Ok and Sang-Hee Park

Membranes 2021, 11(3), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11030184 - 9 Mar 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4898

Abstract

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) has been recognized as an eco-friendly separation system owing to its excellent cost and energy saving efficiency, easy scale-up in the narrow area and mild operation conditions. Membrane properties are the key part in terms of determining the separation efficiency in the OSN system. In this review paper, the recently reported OSN thin-film composite (TFC) membranes were investigated to understand insight of membrane materials and performance. Especially, we highlighted the representative study concepts and materials of the selective layer of OSN TFC membranes for non-polar solvents. The proper choice of monomers and additives for the selective layer forms much more interconnected voids and the enhanced microporosity, which can improve membrane performance of the OSN TFC membrane with reducing the transport resistance. Therefore, this review paper could be an important bridge to connect with the next-generation OSN TFC membranes for non-polar solvents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Membranes and beyond for Sustainable Separations: From Synthesis, Characterization to Applications)

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