Volume 209, 2018

Carboxyl-functionalized nanochannels based on block copolymer hierarchical structures

Abstract

When building artificial nanochannels, having a scalable robust platform with controlled morphology is important, as well as having the option for final functionalization of the channels for the selective transport of water and proteins. We have previously developed asymmetric membranes that have a surface layer of very sharp pore size distribution, surface charge and pore functionalization. Here, a more complex bioinspired platform is reported. Hierarchical isotropic porous structures with spherical micrometer-sized cavities, interconnected by hexagonally ordered nanochannels, were prepared based on the phase separation of polystyrene-b-poly(t-butyl acrylate) block copolymers, following a nucleation and growth mechanism. The structure was imaged by scanning electron microscopy, which demonstrated a high density of ordered nanochannels. The hexagonal order formed by the self-assembly in solution was confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering. The structure evolution was investigated by time-resolved grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. The assembled hydrophobic hierarchical structure was then converted to a hydrophilic structure by acid hydrolysis, leading to nanochannels covered by carboxylic groups and therefore convenient for water transport.

Graphical abstract: Carboxyl-functionalized nanochannels based on block copolymer hierarchical structures

Associated articles

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
05 Feb 2018
Accepted
05 Mar 2018
First published
05 Jul 2018

Faraday Discuss., 2018,209, 303-314

Author version available

Carboxyl-functionalized nanochannels based on block copolymer hierarchical structures

V. Musteata, S. Chisca, F. Meneau, Detlef-M. Smilgies and S. P. Nunes, Faraday Discuss., 2018, 209, 303 DOI: 10.1039/C8FD00015H

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