Abstract:
Asymmetric organic-inorganic films and methods for forming and using such films. For example, the films are used as membranes for selective separation applications. The methods combine co-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), such as, for example, titanium dioxide (TiO2), with non-solvent induced phase separation. The resulting films exhibit structural asymmetry. For example, the films have a thin nanoporous surface layer on top of a macroporous finger-like support layer. Parameters that may dictate membrane morphology include the fraction of inorganic nanoparticles used and the length of time allowed for surface layer development. In filtration tests, the resulting membranes show both desirable selectivity and permeability. The synthesis methods for hybrid membranes provide a new self-assembly platform upon which multi-functional and high-performance organic-inorganic membranes can be formed.