Structure-property relationships for novel wholly aromatic polyamide-hydrazides containing various proportions of para-phenylene and meta-phenylene units III. Preparation and properties of semi-permeable membranes for water desalination by reverse osmosis separation performance

Flat sheet asymmetric reverse osmosis membranes were successfully prepared from N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solutions of a series of novel wholly aromatic polyamide-hydrazides that contained different amounts of para- and meta-phenylene rings. These polyamide-hydrazides were synthesized by a low temperature solution polycondensation reactions of either 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzhydrazide or 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzhydrazide with an equimolar amount of either terephthaloyl dichloride [TCl], isophthaloyl dichloride [ICl] or mixtures of various molar ratios of TCl and ICl in anhydrous DMAc as a solvent. All the polymers have the same structural formula except of the way of linking phenylene units inside the polymer chains. The content of para- to meta-phenylene moieties was varied within these polymers so that the changes in the latter were 10 mol% from polymer to polymer, starting from an overall content of 0-100 mol%. All the membranes were characterized for their salt rejection (%) and water permeability (cm³ cm⁻² day⁻¹) of 0.5 N aqueous sodium chloride feed solution at 3924 kPa operating pressure. The effects of polymers structural variations together with several processing parameters to achieve the best combination of high selectivity and permeability were studied. Effects of various processing parameters of the membranes on their transport properties were investigated by varying the temperature and period of the solvent evaporation of the cast membranes, coagulation temperature of the thermally treated membranes, annealing of the coagulated membranes, casting solution composition, membrane thickness and the operating pressure. During the thermal treatment step, the asymmetric structure of the membranes with a thin dense skin surface layer supported on a more porous layer was established. The former layer seems to be responsible for the separation performance. The results obtained showed that membrane performance was very much influenced by all of the examined processing variables and that membranes with considerably different properties could be obtained from the same polymer sample by using different processing parameters. Thus, the use of higher temperatures and longer exposure times in the protomembrane forming thermal treatment step would result in a membrane of lower solvent content and with a thicker skin layer and consequently led to higher salt rejection at lower water permeability. Most significantly, the membrane properties clearly depended on the polymer structure. Under identical processing condition, substitution para-phenylene rings for meta-phenylene ones within the polymer series resulted in an increase in salt rejection capability of the membranes. This may be attributed to an increase in their chain symmetry associated with increased molecular packing and rigidity through enhanced intermolecular hydrogen bonding. This produces a barrier with much smaller pores that would efficiently prevent the solute particles from penetration. Coagulation temperature controls the structure (porosity) of the membrane particularly its supported layer and consequently its water permeability. Moreover, annealing of the prepared membranes in deionized water at 100 °C was found essential for useful properties in the single-stage separation applications, which required optimum membrane selectivity. Upon annealing, the membrane shrinks resulting in reducing its pore size particularly in the skin layer and consequently improving the salt rejection. Addition of lithium chloride to the casting solution produced a membrane with increased porosity and improved water permeability. Salt rejection capability of the membranes is clearly affected by the applied pressure, reaching its maximum at nearly 4000 kPa. Furthermore, the water permeability is inversely proportional to the membrane thickness, while the salt rejection is not substantially influenced.     

Preparation and characterization of salt hydrates encapsulated in polyamide membranes

Thermodynamic water activity control is a common technique in organic-phase biocatalysis. This can be accomplished by using the transitions of salt hydrates between their various hydrated forms as a water buffer. While this technique is well established, the use of free salt crystals in the reaction mixture poses numerous problems such as difficult recovery and poisoning of the biocatalyst. This article outlines a novel technique for the encapsulation of such materials which avoids these difficulties. The characterization of the capsules and their use as water activity buffers has also been described. Hydrates of Na₂HPO₄ were encapsulated in a polyamide membrane by interfacial polycondensation (IPC) of sebacoyl dichloride and diethylene triamine soaked onto the surface of the salt crystals. This technique, non-aqueous interfacial polycondensation (NAIPC) circumvents the need for the use of an aqueous phase to supply the polar reactant, the amine, thereby facilitating the encapsulation of water soluble materials. The coatings thus produced have an asymmetric membrane-like structure. A thin, non-porous, layer around the salt crystal supports a superstructure of porous polymer. This composite structure facilitates diffusion of material through the capsule wall and the use of hydrophilic polyamides for encapsulation promotes the transport of water. The capsules produced were between 0.5 and 2.5 mm in size and were of adequate mechanical strength to withstand osmotic pressure differences upto 26 bar and resist attritive forces experienced during their use.     

Synthesis and Striking Fluorescence Properties of Hyperbranched Poly(amido amine)

Hyperbranched poly(amido amine) (h‐PAMAM) was synthesized from different feed ratios of diethylene triamine and methyl acrylate by the simple one‐pot and commercial synthesis method. Reaction procedures and products were intensively studied by FTIR, inherent viscosity and fluorescence techniques. The ill‐structured h‐PAMAM shared similar chemical and physical properties with well defined poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers in generation 2 or 3. Its strong fluorescence properties were influenced by pH values, solvents, concentrations, terminal groups and other factors.     

Improved microfiltration and bacteria removal performance of polyethersulfone membranes prepared by modified vapor‐induced phase separation

Polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration membranes were fabricated by a combined vapor‐induced phase separation and wet phase separation method. The effect of different non‐solvent additives in casting solution, ie, acetone, diethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol (TEG) was investigated on the membrane morphology and performance. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the membrane containing TEG additive had a skinless symmetric structure with well interconnected pores. The permeability of the PES/PVP/TEG membranes increased by decreasing PES and TEG and increasing PVP concentration. Bacteria removal performance of the prepared membranes was investigated by the filtration of E. coli suspension. The membrane made from casting solution containing 15 wt.% PES, 16 wt.% PVP, and 20wt.% TEG showed a pure water flux of ~ 5370 L/m² h at low transmembrane pressure of 10 psi and 100% bacteria removal efficiency. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity test and cell viability assay showed non‐toxic nature of the prepared membranes.     

Use of Some Organic Acids and Amines as Photoinitiators of Vinyl Polymerization in the Absence and in the Presence of Benzophenone Photosensitizer

Preliminary studies on the suitability of some organic acids and amines, separately and in combination with each other, as photo-initiators for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate were made. Combinations of maleic acid or phthalic acid with any of the tertiary amines–triethyl amine, demethyl aniline, and diethylaniline-proved to be interesting photoinitiator systems in view of the fact that the initiator components in each combination were ineffective as initiators when used separately. The rate of photopolymerization in each of the above acid-amine combination system was much enhanced and the respective inhibition period largely reduced when benzophenone was used as the photoinitiator. Aliphatic diamine or polyamines such as ethylene diamine, diethylene triamine, and tri-ethylene tetramine, were ineffective as photoinitiators when used alone or in combination with maleic acid, but became effective     

Use of ionic membranes in the fractionation of water-alcohol mixtures by the pervaporation process

Five membranes, constituted of ionic chains grafted onto inert matrix, were studied in pervaporation of water - ethanol mixtures of different compositions. The permeability and selectivity of all five membranes showed a marked dependence on the nature of the counter-ions. Water permeates preferentially through all the types of membrane and counter-ions, except the protonated carboxylate membrane. For cation exchange membranes with alcaline counter-ions, the selectivity decreases in the following sequence: K+<Na+<Li+<H+. The permeability of the sulfonate membrane follows the reversed sequence, while that of the carboxylate membrane follows the same sequence, i.e. there is no trade-off between permeability and selectivity for the latter membrane. The anion-exchange (quaternized amine) membrane behaved similarly to the sulfonate membrane, i.e. the permeability and the selectivity vary in opposite directions. An attempt to interpret the influence of the nature of counter-ions on the basis of physico-chemical properties of the ion pairs was made.     

H(+)-selective electrodes based on neutral carriers: Specific features in behaviour and quantitative description of the electrode response

The influence has been studied of the membrane and solution composition on the response of H(+)-ISEs with plasticized polymer and liquid membranes based on the neutral carriers N,N-dioctylaniline and tridecylamine in association with trioctyloxybenzene sulphonic acid. It is shown that the extraction processes at the membrane/solution interface exert the main effect on the response limits by inducing essential changes in the activity of potential-determining ions in the membrane. At low pH, the amine extraction of acids followed by neutralization (free amines binding in ion-pairs) is the relevant process, while at high Ph it is the extraction of metal cations with amine salts of a lipophilic acid, with the consequent displacement of amine from the salts. Equations are suggested to represent the interphase potential of the H(+)-ISE membranes with allowance for these extraction processes. The experimental electrode responses of both liquid and polymer membranes are shown to be well described by the equations for the interphase potential, thus indicating its dominant contribution to the membrane potential.     

顺丁橡胶／酯－醚液晶复合膜的富氧性能研究

首次制成顺丁橡胶（ＰＢ）与具有二重液晶相转变（近晶相，向列相）的液晶化合物双４－（４’－乙氧基苯甲酰氧基）苯甲酸一缩乙二醇酯（ＤＥＢＥＢ）的复合膜并研究了其富氧性能。ＰＢ／ＤＥＢＥＢ复合膜在液晶含量１０％时，室温下具有比基质聚合物ＰＢ膜大几倍的氧透过系数（ｐｏ２）。透过系数与温度的关系曲线呈现“Ｎ”型特征。这些现象与液晶的二重相变行为和膜的形态结构有关。     

二乙烯三胺接枝壳聚糖的合成与表征

以壳聚糖为基体,与环氧氯丙烷反应,然后与二乙烯三胺反应,制得二乙烯三胺接枝壳聚糖(CTSN)。经红外光谱FTIR分析和X-射线衍射分析表征了结构,在活化及接枝过程中未破坏壳聚糖中的吡喃苷六元环结构,其结构与预期结构吻合。初步研究了它对Pd2 、Ag 、Ni2 、Cu2 、Co2 、Cd2 金属离子的静态吸附性能,试验结果表明,CTSN对金属离子有较大的吸附容量,对Pd2 、Ag 离子的吸附容量分别为1.29mmol/g和1.15mmol/g。     

Calculation of the Liquid and Gas Permeability of Hydrophobic Low-Porosity Membranes of an Arbitrary Thickness

A method for calculating the liquid and gas permeability of hydrophobic low-porosity membranes of an arbitrary thickness is described. The calculation is based on the solution of a problem on percolation—the procedure of finding the distribution of liquid and gas over the membrane thickness. The dependence of the permeability for liquid on the share of pores that are potentially accessible to being filled with liquid is obtained for both thin and thick membranes. This dependence is of a universal nature and can easily be recalculated into a dependence of permeability on the pressure drop for membranes with any distribution of pores by size. Numerical estimates of principal characteristics for a membrane that possesses pores of three types are performed. The characteristics in question include permeabilities for liquid and gas; fluxes of the liquid; critical pressures, at which the permeability for liquid turns other than zero; and the working range of pressures, in which the membrane is capable of working normally. All these data permit the optimization of the operation of similar membranes, in particular, gas-delivering membranes that are used in hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells with a solid polymer electrolyte.     

Change in permselectivity between sulfate and chloride ions through anion exchange membrane with hydrophilicity of the membrane

The transport number of sulfate ions relative to chloride ions through an anion exchange membrane was measured by electrodialyzing a sodium sulfate and sodium chloride mixed solution containing diethylene glycol after immersing the membrane in diethylene glycol because the membrane had good affinity to ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. The transport number of sulfate ions relative to chloride ions increased in the presence of diethylene glycol in the membrane. This is due to the increase in the uptake of sulfate ions in the membrane compared with chloride ions, not to the change in a ratio of mobilities of both anions.     

Modification of ion-exchange membrane used for separation of protons and metallic cations and characterization of the membrane by current-voltage curves

The ionic transport properties of several cations (H(+), Na(+), and Zn(2+)) across sulfonated ion-exchange membranes modified with an amine were investigated by the measurement of current-voltage curves to determine the effect of the surface modification of the membrane. The membrane was modified by chlorosulfonation and amination with a diamine (N,N-dimethylethylenediamine) and an amine (isoamylamine) to form a sulfonamide bond between amine groups and the surface layer. In the case of the modification with the diamine, the terminal amine was protonated in acidic media or quaternized with methyl iodide. The presence of a positively charged layer on the two sides of the membrane strongly decreased the limiting current flowing across the membrane in the presence of a 1:1 electrolyte such as HCl or HNO(3) due to an increase of the resistance of the membrane. In the case of divalent cations such as Na(+) and Zn(2+), electrostatic repulsion also contributes to the decrease of the limiting current. The presence of divalent anions seems to increase the limiting current somewhat due to their preconcentration within the cationic layer, which facilitates their subsequent transport across the membrane. When only one face of the membrane was modified, the current-voltage measurements showed that the membrane did not behave like a bipolar membrane. For one-side (under forward polarization) and two-side modified membranes, counterions are slightly blocked in the membrane by the cationic layer, which led to a decrease of the membrane conductivity during electrodialysis.     

Zwitterionic microgel based anti(-bio)fouling smart membranes for tunable water filtration and molecular separation

Tunable gating polymeric nanostructured membrane with excellent water permeability and precise molecular separation is highly advantageous for smart nanofiltration application. Polymeric nanostructures such as microgels with functionalizable cross-linkable moieties can be an excellent choice to construct membranes with a thin separation layer, functionality, and tunable transport properties. In the present work, we prepared switchable anti(bio)fouling membranes using zwitterionically functionalized antibacterial thermoresponsive aqueous core-shell microgels with a thin separation layer for controlled filtration and separation applications. The microgels were synthesized using a one-step graft copolymerization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) followed by zwitterionization of free amine groups of PEI chains with 1,3-propane sultone. Microgel synthesis and zwitterionization were confirmed by spectroscopic and elemntal analysis. The obtained microgels were thoroughly characterized to analyze their thermoresponsive behavior, morphology, charge, and antibacterial properties. After that, characterizations were performed to elucidate the surface properties, water permeation, rejection, and flux recovery of the microgel membranes prepared by suction filtration over a track-etched support. It was observed that zwitterionic membrane provides better hydrophilicity, lower bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption, and desirable antimicrobial activity. The pure water permeability was directly related to the microgel layer thickness, applied pressure, and temperature of the feed solution. The novel nanostructured membrane leads to an excellent water permeance with a high gating ratio, high flux recovery rate with low irreversible fouling, better rejection for various dyes, and foulant. Most importantly, the long-term performance of the membrane is appreciable as the microgel layer remains intact and provides excellent separation up to a longer period. Owing to easy preparation and well control over thickness, the zwitterionic microgel membranes constitute unique and interactive membranes for various pressure-driven separation and purification applications.     

Effect of gamma-radiation on thermal decomposition of bis(diethylene triamine)cobalt(II) nitrate and bis(diethylene triamine)zinc(II) nitrate

Effect of γ-radiation on non-isothermal decomposition kinetics of bis(diethylene triamine)cobalt(II) nitrate and bis(diethylene triamine)zinc(II) nitrate have been studied in nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate of 10 °C/minute. The data were analyzed by Coats- Redfern, Freeman-Caroll and Horowitz-Metzeger methods. The result showed that irradiation enhanced thermal decomposition in both the complexes. Activation energy and associated kinetic parameters are lowered upon irradiation and the extent of lowering is higher in cobalt complex compared to zinc complex. Order of the reaction for each step was found to be unity. The mechanism for deamination and decomposition is controlled by R₂ function except for the deamination of unirradiated cobalt complex where the process is governed by R₃ function.     

聚酯基硫脲树脂的合成

首先在N,N-二甲基苯胺的催化下,二（三氯甲基）碳酸酯与1,4-丁-醇或一缩二乙二醇发生光气化反应生成双氯甲酸酯;然后将双氯甲酸酯与硫氰酸钾在相转移催化剂的催化下反应生成二异硫氰酸酯;最后二异硫氰酸酯分别与二乙烯三胺、三乙烯四胺、四乙烯五胺加聚得到聚酯基硫脲树脂。采用红外光谱、元素分析、扫描电镜等方法对树脂进行了表征。     

Hydraulic and osmotic permeabilities of water and water/sucrose solutions through cellophane membranes

Measurements were made of different transport phenomena in cellophane membranes, using a specially designed device. The aqueous, hydraulic permeability was studied over a range of temperatures between 30 and 50°C. The hydraulic permeability/temperature relationship was found to be linear. The use of sucrose solutions of equal concentration in the two phases on either side of the membrane produced a considerable variation in the hydraulic permeability when the solution concentrations were greater than 0.1 M. Osmotic flow experiments were carried out for sucrose/water solutions, and the coefficient of osmotic permeability was found to be independent of the solution concentrations separated by the membrane within the range of concentrations studied (up to 0.2 M). The equivalent pore radius was calculated for the membranes used; these values are higher than that of the molecular diameter of water. The reflection coefficient was calculated for one of the membranes used and a value of 0.077 was obtained.     

Electrochemical measurements of the ion conductivity, permselectivity and transference numbers of polypyrrole and polypyrrole derivatives

Electrochemical dc and ac measurements were carried out on free-standing polypyrrole (ppy) membranes to study the ion conductivity and permselectivity of the polymer as a function of the oxidation state. The membranes were prepared by electropolymerisation and mounted in a two-compartment cell, where the oxidation state of the ppy membrane could be adjusted by potentiostatic polarisation and the ion conductivity and permselectivity of the polymer could be measured in a symmetrical electrolyte/membrane/electrolyte configuration. Combining constant current permeation experiments with solution analysis using ion chromatography (IC) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), it was demonstrated that ppy exhibits not only an appreciable ion conductivity but also a distinct permeability and selectivity for anions in the oxidised state. Incorporation of immobile anions like dodecylsulfate or copolymerization with a modified pyrrole monomer like N-sulfopropyl-pyrrole carrying a sulfonate group leads to modified membranes which exhibit distinct cation permselectivity in the reduced state. Such a membrane can be switched dynamically between anion and cation permeability through electrochemical oxidation and reduction of the polymer backbone. Received: 27 March 1997 / Accepted: 18 July 1997     

Effect of counter- and co-ions on the structural transport parameters of sulfoacid cationite membranes

The diffusion permeability and specific electroconductivity of MK-40 sulfoacid cationite and Nafion 425 membranes are studied experimentally in NaOH, NaCl, and HCl solutions with various concentrations. The resulting concentration dependences of the electrodiffusion characteristics and data on the nonexchange sorption of the electrolytes are used to calculate the structural transport parameters of the membranes in terms of a two-phase conduction model. Analysis of a set of parameters, including the electroconductivity and diffusion permeability of the membrane gel phase, the volume fractions of the conductive phases, and a parameter that reflects their relative positions, the Donnan constant, and the diffusion coefficients of counter and co-ions in the membrane gel phase reveals the effect the nature of counter- and co-ions has on the electrodiffusion, structural, and sorption characteristics of sulfoacid cationite membranes with different types of structure.     

Formation of pore‐filled ion‐exchange membranes with in situ crosslinking: Poly(vinylbenzyl ammonium salt)‐filled membranes

Robust, polyelectrolyte‐filled, microporous membranes were prepared by the introduction and crosslinking of a preformed polymer within the pores of a poly(propylene) host membrane. Specifically, poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) (PVBCl) was reacted with piperazine or 1,4‐diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane in an N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solution contained in the pores of the microporous base membrane. The remaining chloromethyl groups were reacted with an amine, such as trimethylamine, to form positively charged ammonium sites. This simple two‐step procedure gave dimensionally stable, anion‐exchange membranes in which the degree of crosslinking and the mass loading were determined by the concentration of PVBCl and crosslinker in the starting DMF solution. The incorporated polyelectrolyte gel was evenly distributed within the pores of the host membrane with no surface layers present. The membranes are fully characterized. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 807–820, 2001     

Preparation of a protected triamino analogue of cholic acid and sequential incorporation of amino acids in solution and on a solid support

We have prepared a triamine derivative of cholic acid with protecting groups on the amines that allow sequential amide formation. The triamine was formed from 3 alpha,7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxycholan-24-ol with good stereoselectivity. Sequential removal of the amine protecting groups and amide formation was achieved in high-yielding steps and was performed in solution and on a solid support.