Controlling Microstructure-Transport Interplay in Poly(ether--amide) Multiblock Copolymer Gas Separation Membranes.

In this study, we investigated the effect of morphology on the gas-transport properties of a poly(ether--amide) (PEBA) multiblock copolymer. We annealed the copolymer samples and varied the annealing temperature to evaluate the influence of changes in the microstructure on the gas transport properties of PEBA. In addition, we used time-resolved attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to evaluate the diffusion coefficient of CO in PEBA based on the Fickian model.

Manipulation of Fracture Behavior of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Nanocomposites by Interfacial Design of a Metal-Organic-Framework Nanoparticle Toughener.

The interfacial region between nanoparticles and polymer matrix plays a critical role in influencing the mechanical behavior of polymer nanocomposites. In this work, a set of model systems based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix containing poly(alkyl glycidyl ether) brushes grafted on 50 nm metal-organic-framework (MOF) nanoparticles were synthesized and investigated. By systematically increasing the polymer brush length and graft density on the MOF nanoparticles, the fracture behavior of PMMA/MOF nanocomposite changes from forming only a few large crazes to generating massive crazing and to undergoing shear banding, which results in significant improvement in fracture toughness.

High-Performance Semicrystalline Poly(ether ketone)-Based Proton Exchange Membrane.

A novel semicrystalline poly(ether ketone) (PEK)-based proton exchange membrane (semi-SPEK-x) has been developed. Through a one-step sulfonation and hydrolysis, a poly(ether ketimine) precursor transforms into PEK and ion-conducting groups are introduced. With an ion-exchange capacity ranging from 1.

Towards basic ionic liquid-based hybrid membranes as hydroxide-conducting electrolytes under low humidity conditions.

We have developed basic ionic liquid-based hybrid membranes with ionic liquid modified zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) as fillers, aiming to enhance the electrochemical and physical properties of the membrane.