The group of YU Jian has prepared a sulfobetaine-type amphiphilic ionic nanohydrogel graft modified PVDF porous membrane. The amphiphilic ionic nanohydrogel has a size of ~50 nm, which contributes to the rapid wetting and water absorption of the nanohydrogel, thereby imparting super-hydrophilic properties. Since the amphiphilic ionic nanohydrogel has both high water retention properties and strong hydration ability due to the amphiphilic ionic polyelectrolyte, a strong hydrated layer and a near-neutral surface could be constructed on the surface of a PVDF-based porous membrane. The ultra-hydrophilic and nearly neutral surface provides nearly zero adhesion to crude oil under water and excellent flux.
CAS news release, August 23, 2018
CAS Suzhou SINANO develops improved separation membrane for removal of oil pollution