Coordination-enabled synergistic surface segregation for fabrication of multi-defense mechanism membranes

Abstract

The antifouling mechanism lies at the heart of a number of surface-governed applications ranging from biomedical implants and devices, marine coatings, to membrane separations. However, the multi-defense mechanism has not been ingeniously employed to design and fabricate high-performance antifouling membranes. In this study, a coordination chemistry-enabled approach is explored to manipulate the synergistic surface segregation of amphiphilic copolymers and hydrophilic inorganic nanoparticles during the membrane formation process, thus constructing membrane surfaces with an optimally integrated fouling-resistant mechanism and fouling-release mechanism. Moreover, the metal–organic coordination interaction ensures the stable coexistence of copolymers and inorganic nanoparticles on the membrane surface, as well as the high mechanical strength of membranes. Consequently, the membranes display superior antifouling properties and long-term stability in oil/water emulsion separation.