Abstract
Background: Porous stimuli-responsive polymer membranes are a series of membrane devices with not only common separating and mechanical properties, but also stimuli-responsive capabilities. In recent decades, there is an increasing interest in utilizing track-etch polymer membranes with single or array nanochannels on them as sensing elements in smart responsive membrane devices.
Objective: We review the synthesis and functionalizations of track-etch membranes and their sensing applications, in order to expand possible applications of functional organic molecules, and also supply a novel potential platform for specific analysis of organic chemistry.
Method: We introduced the membrane preparation and the sensing mechanism of membrane devices, summarized recent approaches to optimize membrane functionalization.
Applications: Induced by external stimuli in solutions, functional molecules fixed on track-etch membranes change their structure and ionization, which impact on the ionic permeation and ionic rectifying of these nanofluid devices. Based on this mechanism, sensing to aqueous environmental stimuli (including temperature, pH and light), specific ions and molecules have been achieved by different groups.
Conclusion: For controllable pore sizes, simple modifications and regular shapes of track-etch membranes, the track-etch membranes devices exhibit specific and reliable responses to various stimuli. We hope in the future, more smart materials with specific affinities could be utilized to functionalize track-etch membrane devices, and their applications could be broadened from chemical analyses to industrial separation and purification processes.
Keywords: Polymer membrane, trach-etch membrane, nanochannel, responsive, synthesis, functionalization.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances of Heterocyclic Chemistry with Pesticide Activity
Global food safety and security will continue to be a global concern for the next 50 years and beyond. Plant diseases have had a significant impact on food safety and security throughout the entire food chain, from primary production to consumption. While conventional chemical pesticides have been traditionally used for ...read more
Calculation design of covalent/metal organic framework based catalysts
This research area combines theoretical computation and screening with machine learning for the design of covalent/metal organic framework-based catalysts, bridging the disciplines of organic chemistry, physical chemistry, computational chemistry, materials science, and machine learning. It covers several critical aspects: designing and synthesizing organic catalysts for improved performance, applying computational methods ...read more
Carbohydrates conversion in biofuels and bioproducts
Biomass pretreatment, hydrolysis, and saccharification of carbohydrates, and sugars bioconversion in biofuels and bioproducts within a biorefinery framework. Carbohydrates derived from woody biomass, agricultural wastes, algae, sewage sludge, or any other lignocellulosic feedstock are included in this issue. Simulation, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis of a biorefinery process are ...read more
Catalytic C-H bond activation as a tool for functionalization of heterocycles
The major topic is the functionalization of heterocycles through catalyzed C-H bond activation. The strategies based on C-H activation not only provide straightforward formation of C-C or C-X bonds but, more importantly, allow for the avoidance of pre-functionalization of one or two of the cross-coupling partners. The beneficial impact of ...read more
Related Books
Advances in Organic Synthesis
The Synthetic Methods, Structures, and Properties of the Ca-C σ Bond Organocalcium Containing Compounds
Advances in Organic Synthesis
Chemistry of Bipyrazoles: Synthesis and Applications
Advances in Organic Synthesis
Advanced Nanocatalysis for Organic Synthesis and Electroanalysis
Advances in Organic Synthesis
Advances in Organic Synthesis
58
4
1
1