Toward Predicting the Formation of Integral-Asymmetric, Isoporous Diblock Copolymer Membranes.

The self-assembly and nonsolvent-induced phase separation (SNIPS) process of block copolymers and solvents enables the fabrication of integral-asymmetric, isoporous membranes. An isoporous top layer is formed by evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) and imparts selectivity for ultrafiltration of functional macromolecules or water purification. This selective layer is supported by a macroporous bottom structure that is formed by nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) providing mechanical stability.

Thermodynamic analysis of alkali metal complex formation of polymer-bonded crown ether.

The complex formation of two crown ethers with colored alkali metal salts was investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Complexation was accomplished with free benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5) and 15-crown-5 bonded to a diblock copolymer (Poly15C5). The diblock copolymer was synthesized by two controlled polymerization techniques and copper(i)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition.