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Polymeric Membrane Science and Surface Modification Technologies: 2nd Edition

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Membranes and Films".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 6527

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Dr. Lili Wu

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Guest Editor

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: polymers; surface modification; nanocomposite polymer materials; fine polymer materials; polyurethane
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Chaocan Zhang

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Guest Editor

School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: nanomaterials and nanocomposites; functional and fine polymer materials; gradient functional polymer materials; adsorption and separation functional materials; liquid crystal polymer materials; photonic crystal materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Membrane science is a crucial branch of modern materials science and engineering. This Special Issue focuses on the design, fabrication, and application of polymeric membrane materials. These technologies play a vital role in water treatment, gas separation, energy storage, and biomedical applications, driving technological advancements in these fields. Membrane technologies can be employed in nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, water treatment, hydrogen purification, carbon dioxide capture, fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

Surface modification technologies are key to enhancing the performance of membranes, with techniques such as plasma treatment, chemical plating, coating, and nanomaterial modification significantly improving the properties of membranes. For example, they strengthen the hydrophilicity, antifouling properties, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility of membranes, while also improving their selectivity, flux, durability, and chemical stability.

Recent research has focused on developing nanocomposite membranes, functionalized polymer membranes, and smart responsive materials. These innovations optimize the performance of membranes and broaden their applicative potential.

This Special Issue will highlight the latest advancements in polymeric membrane science and surface modification technologies. We invite researchers in related fields to submit original research and review articles, contributing to continued progress in membrane science and surface modification technologies.

Dr. Lili Wu
Prof. Dr. Chaocan Zhang
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

membrane technology
surface modification
nanocomposite membranes
functionalized polymer membranes
water treatment
gas separation
energy storage
biomedical applications
plasma treatment
nanomaterial modification
selectivity
flux
stability
hydrophilicity
antifouling
coating technology
biocompatibility
tissue engineering
drug delivery
mechanical strength
durability

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Polymeric Membrane Science and Surface Modification Technologies in Polymers (8 articles)

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 16309 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Polylactic Acid–Curcumin Composite Films with Dual-Metal-Doped Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Sustainable Antioxidant, Biocompatible, Photothermal, and Antibacterial Performance

by Gopinath Kasi, Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee, Nattan Stalin, Tae-Sik Park, Ramar Dharmaraj, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Nuttapol Tanadchangsaeng and Pornchai Rachtanapun

Polymers 2026, 18(13), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18131626 - 30 Jun 2026

Viewed by 428

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA)-curcumin (CCM) composites, incorporating various contents of surface-functionalized dual-metal-doped copper oxide (SF-M-CuO), were prepared by the solution casting method. Synthesized composite films were evaluated for their antioxidant, biocompatible, photothermal, and antibacterial properties. The 4% CCM exhibits excellent compatibility based on total color difference, antioxidant activity, and controlled curcumin release behavior. In addition, different contents of SF-M-CuO (1–4%) were added to the PLA-4%-CCM polymer matrix. Synthesized composite films were characterized through functional, structural, and topographical analyses. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of CCM and SF-M-CuO into the PLA matrix, which enhanced interfacial interactions and increased the crystallinity index by acting as effective nucleating agents. ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays revealed dose-dependent antioxidant activity due to the synergistic effects of CCM and SF-M-CuO. Biocompatibility evaluation using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells demonstrated non-toxic responses and enhanced cell proliferation in PLA-4%-CCM composite films containing up to 3%-SF-M-CuO. Among the fabricated films, PLA-4%-CCM-3%-SF-M-CuO exhibited superior photothermal performance and excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, reducing bacterial counts to below the limit of detection. These findings demonstrate the potential of PLA-4%-CCM-3%-SF-M-CuO composite films as sustainable multifunctional materials for food safety and biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Membrane Science and Surface Modification Technologies: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 13434 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of Composite Separation Membranes with Citric Acid and Metal Ion Chelation Coatings for Oil–Water Separation

by Liming Xia, Weilin Wu, Xinyi Wang, Zezhen Zhang, Haolan Xiao and Lili Wu

Polymers 2026, 18(12), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18121450 - 10 Jun 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 456

Abstract

The development of advanced and efficient oil–water separation technologies is crucial, and membrane fouling remains one of the primary obstacles hindering the sustainable development of membrane technology. Separation membranes, which differ in pore size and material composition, can be selected based on specific environmental conditions and application requirements. In the study, a composite enhanced PVDF membrane with a complex coordination aggregation structure and abundant hydroxyl groups was prepared by introducing a citric acid–Fe(III) complex coating onto the PVDF surface using tannic acid as an interfacial adhesive layer. Citric acid (CA) molecules participate in competitive cross-linking. The carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) of CA form ionic bonds with Fe³⁺. This promotes the formation of a complex cross-linked network inside the coating. It also successfully introduces additional hydrophilic groups. Consequently, a TA-Fe/CA composite coating system is constructed. The optimized modified membrane exhibited superior performance, with a water contact angle (WCA) of 14° and complete wetting within 0.5 s. The pure water flux reached 20,473.16 L/m²·h. Compared to the pristine membrane, the modified membrane demonstrated significantly enhanced hydrophilicity, underwater oleophobicity, and antifouling properties. During the separation of surfactant-stabilized toluene emulsions, the PVDF-TA-Fe/CA membrane showed higher separation efficiency and permeate flux than both the PVDF and PVDF-TA membranes. Furthermore, the modified membrane demonstrated excellent chemical stability, long-term durability, and thermal stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Membrane Science and Surface Modification Technologies: 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 9192 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microcrystalline Cellulose-Stabilized Pickering Emulsions for Integrating Hydrophobic NADES into Agar Films: Structure–Function Relationships and Controlled Release Behavior

by Gülen Yeşilören Akal, Perihan Akbaş and Hüseyin Gençcelep

Polymers 2026, 18(9), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18091071 - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 623

Abstract

In this study, a microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-stabilized Pickering emulsion approach was developed to integrate hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES; menthol:decanoic acid, 1:1 molar ratio) into agar-based biopolymer films. MCC was evaluated not only as a filler but also as a functional interfacial component governing hydrophobic phase distribution and structural organization. SEM analysis showed that MCC concentration significantly influenced morphology; films with 0.2% MCC exhibited a more homogeneous structure, whereas 0.5% MCC led to heterogeneous and irregular formations. Mechanically, films with 0.2% MCC showed higher elongation at break (16.37%) compared to 0.5% MCC (9.86%), while tensile strength remained similar (2.75–2.78 MPa). Increased MCC content enhanced surface hydrophobicity, as indicated by higher contact angle values. The 0.5% MCC films exhibited high moisture content (85%) and water solubility (93%), attributed to increased free volume and structural irregularity. Swelling index exceeded 40% in 0.2% MCC films but decreased at higher MCC levels. HS-GC-MS analysis revealed temperature-dependent controlled release of menthol, with significant release at 50 °C compared to 25 °C. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated broad-spectrum activity (8.9–24.2 mm). These results highlight MCC as an effective stabilizer for hydrophobic NADES integration and support the potential of these films for active packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Membrane Science and Surface Modification Technologies: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1678 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Flow Direction of KOH Solutions on the Measurement of Dissolved Hydrogen Permeability Through Alkaline Water Electrolysis Membranes

by Jun Hyun Lim, Jin Pyo Hwang, Euntaek Oh, Jinho Joo, Jian Hou and Chang Hyun Lee

Polymers 2026, 18(8), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18081006 - 21 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 656

Abstract

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) is a pivotal technology for sustainable hydrogen production. However, hydrogen permeation through its membranes remains a critical concern, as excessive gas crossover can lead to the formation of explosive mixtures and pose severe safety hazards. While conventional measurement techniques, such as pressure drop and electrochemical methods, are suitable for porous membranes, they exhibit inherent limitations when applied to dense membranes such as anion exchange membranes. This study proposes a cross-flow measurement methodology applicable to all types of AWE membranes. Unlike traditional dead-end configurations, the cross-flow approach effectively mitigates impurity accumulation and maintains a continuous electrolyte flow parallel to the membrane surface. This configuration ensures uniform electrolyte distribution, minimizes local concentration and pressure fluctuations, and enhances measurement reliability and reproducibility relative to the conventional dead-end flow. Furthermore, the methodology ensures accurate and reproducible measurements, demonstrating enhanced detection capability for dense membranes with intrinsically low permeability by mitigating fouling and concentration polarization effects. These findings provide a robust framework for the development of high-performance membranes designed to suppress dissolved hydrogen permeability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Membrane Science and Surface Modification Technologies: 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 1695 KB

Open AccessArticle

Silicone Films Modified with Ethylene Glycol Dicyclopentenyl Ether Acrylate for Antimicrobial Silver Loading

by Orlando Padilla, Miguel S. Pérez-Garibay, Alejandro Camacho-Cruz and Emilio Bucio

Polymers 2025, 17(18), 2482; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17182482 - 14 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1004

Abstract

In this research, silicone films (SR) were modified by grafting ethylene glycol dicyclopentenyl ether acrylate (EGDEA) through gamma-ray irradiation using both direct and pre-irradiation methods at a dose rate of 10.8 kGy/h, with doses ranging from 10 to 50 kGy. Several techniques, including TGA, DSC, contact angle measurement, mechanical testing, swelling, and FTIR, confirmed the grafting of EGDEA onto SR films. The highest grafting efficiency was achieved at 50 kGy using the direct method. Subsequently, SR-g-EGDEA films were loaded with silver for microbial testing, showing promising results for potential biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Membrane Science and Surface Modification Technologies: 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 4924 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospun Polybenzimidazole Membranes: Fabrication and Fine-Tuning Through Physical and Statistical Approaches

by Emmanuel De Gregorio, Giuseppina Roviello, Valentina Naticchioni, Viviana Cigolotti, Alfonso Pozio, Luis Alexander Hein, Carlo De Luca, Claudio Ferone, Antonio Rinaldi and Oreste Tarallo

Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1594; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121594 - 6 Jun 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2724

Abstract

Polybenzimidazole (PBI), a high-performance polymer known for its exceptional thermal stability and chemical resistance, was processed by solution electrospinning to manufacture fibrous non-woven membranes. The process was repeated under different conditions by adjusting four main settings: the polymer solution concentration, the flow rate, the voltage applied between the needle and the collector, and the separating distance. To clarify the interplay between process parameters and material properties, a Design of Experiment (DOE) approach was used to systematically analyze the effects of said parameters on microstructural properties, including fiber diameter, porosity, and air permeability, pointing out that the increase in viscosity improves fiber uniformity, while optimizing the applied voltage and the needle–collector distance enhances jet stability and solvent evaporation, crucial for defect-free fibrous microstructures. Post-processing via calendering further refined the membrane texture and properties, for example by reducing porosity and air permeability without significantly altering the fibrous morphology, particularly at low lamination ratios. Thermal and mechanical evaluations highlighted that the obtained electrospun PBI membranes exhibited enhanced flexibility, but lower tensile strength compared to cast films due to the underlying open pore microstructure. This integrated approach—combining experimental characterization, DOE-guided optimization, and post-processing via calendering—provides a systematic framework for tailoring PBI membranes for specific applications, such as filtration, fuel cells, and molecular sieving. The findings highlight the potential of PBI-based electrospun membranes as versatile materials, offering high thermal stability, chemical resistance, and tunable properties, thereby establishing a foundation for further innovation in advanced polymeric membrane design and applications for energy and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Membrane Science and Surface Modification Technologies: 2nd Edition)

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