SELFMEM

Self-Assembled Polymer Membranes

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The aim of SELFMEM is to develop innovation in the field of nanoporous membranes. This will be achieved by taking advantage of the self-assembly properties of block copolymers leading to highly porous membranes with adjustable, regular-sized pores of tailored functionalities. Both polymeric and inorganic (silicon) membranes will be developed. In the case of isoporous polymeric membranes focus will be laid on the formation of integral-asymmetric block copolymer membranes with an isoporous top layer as a function of the block copolymer structure and the preparation conditions. Isoporous inorganic membranes will be prepared by using a thin block copolymer film as a mask for selective etching. The possibilities to systematically vary the pore size and density by varying the block copolymer mask structure will be investigated. The block copolymers will be synthesized by controlled polymerisation techniques (anionic, group transfer, and different radical polymerisations), depending on the chosen monomers. The characterisation during and after formation of the membranes will be carried out by light and various x-ray scattering techniques, by scanning force microscopy, and by different electron microscopic techniques. Both types of membranes will be post-functionalized in order to tune their final properties. The membranes will be tested for their applicability in different areas. Separation of gases (like H2/CO2) and proteins as well as water purification will be addressed in this project. Modeling and theory will support the understanding of the structure formation of these membranes and help to optimise membrane design. The results of SELFMEM will increase European competitiveness in strategic markets such as gas purification, water treatment and molecular biology. The consortium consists of 12 partners from 10 countries, including 4 companies from 3 countries.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Synthetic block copolymers often form regular suprastructures by self-assembly as a result of inherent repulsive forces. Scientists exploited this property to develop very thin membranes for gas and liquid separation.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Separating components in liquids and gases is an important process in a number of fields, including the environmental sciences, medicine, biotechnology and synthetic chemistry. One way to do it is to use a polymer membrane with structured pores and surface chemistry specifically adapted to the task of interest. Certain components pass through and others do not.

The focus of the EU-funded project 'Self-assembled polymer membranes' (Selfmem) was to develop novel ultra-thin isoporous membranes with controlled nanostructure based on block copolymer self-assembly. In addition, researchers sought to impose additional functionalities by chemical post-treatment. Applications of interest were water purification, separation of proteins and gases (hydrogen/carbon dioxide) as well as water purification.

Self-assembly is an important process by which various molecular and atomic forces of attraction and repulsion cause the formation of suprastructures. Naturally occurring, self-assembled structures include the lipid bilayer cell membrane, DNA and three-dimensional (3D) protein conformations. Selfmem exploited the novel membranes possible via guided self-assembly of synthetic block copolymers from solution into thin films and on top of different inorganic substrates as templates for selective etching of pores.

Scientists synthesised both organic (polymeric) and inorganic (silicon-based) ultra-thin membranes (nanoporous silicon membranes (NSiMs)) of controlled and dense porosity and thickness in the nanometre range using self-assembly of block copolymers. The organic membranes are ductile whereas the inorganic membranes are stable under conditions of high temperatures and pressures. Membranes demonstrated very promising filtration properties and post-processing functionalisations opened the door to numerous applications.

Micro- and nanofabrication techniques for wafer-scale production of NSiMs were optimised and up-scaled. In addition, NSiMs were integrated into functional fluidic and filtration modules for application to (bio)molecules separation, ultrafiltration or sensing.

Complementary investigations were spawned regarding the potential of isoporous membranes in nanotoxicology, drug delivery and diagnostics and the submission of four patents. Results enabled publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to the work of six doctoral theses.

Selfmem made a significant contribution to understanding and characterisation of nanoporous membranes produced by self-assembly of block copolymers. Uptake by research and industry and continued development will no doubt strengthen the EU position in strategic markets, such as water treatment, molecular biology, and gas purification.