Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Copolymer Alloy Ultra-Filtration Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultra-filtration membranes are prone to hydrophobic contamination, have unstable performance, and high production costs due to their strong hydrophobicity and the complexity of conventional ionic liquid grafting and synthesis processes, leading to rapid degradation and poor mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A simple synthesis method for an imidazolium-based functional ionic liquid copolymer, PMMA-b-PIL-R*, is developed through sequential radical polymerization, which is then used to create an alloy ultra-filtration membrane via a non-solvent induced phase separation method, enhancing hydrophilicity and mechanical properties while reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If small molecule ionic liquid is added separately as blending additive, then hydrophilicity is improved, but stability deteriorates due to rapid loss during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic liquid functional groups are incorporated into the polymer backbone structure, ensuring continuous presence and action of hydrophilic groups throughout the membrane's service life, eliminating the rapid loss problem of separately added small molecule ionic liquid
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where ionic liquid functional groups are chemically bonded to the polymer backbone, forming a stable hybrid material that combines the hydrophilicity of ionic liquid with the structural stability of the polymer matrix
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical grafting reaction is used to introduce ionic liquid, then hydrophilicity is improved, but device complexity increases due to harsh reaction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the synthesis approach from post-grafting modification to in-situ copolymerization, using milder reaction conditions and different parameter settings (temperature, catalyst, monomer ratios) to achieve ionic liquid incorporation without harsh chemical grafting
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vinyl imidazolium salt as an intermediary monomer that can be directly polymerized with other vinyl monomers, serving as a bridge to introduce ionic liquid functionality without requiring separate grafting reactions and harsh conditions
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ultra-filtration membrane materials are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to hydrophobic contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies only the surface and pore wall regions of the membrane by incorporating ionic liquid functional groups into the polymer structure, maintaining bulk material properties and cost-effectiveness while locally improving hydrophilicity and antifouling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite polymer material combining conventional polymer backbone with ionic liquid functional groups, achieving improved hydrophilicity and contamination resistance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and cost-effectiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting membrane exhibits improved hydrophilicity, antifouling properties, and mechanical stability, with a reduced water contact angle and increased flux recovery rate, extending its service life and maintaining performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
Initiating a sequential radical polymerization of MMA and IL-R* with azodiisobutyronitrile to prepare amphiphilic PMMA-b-PIL-R*
Implementation Method 2
With the use of a non-solvent induced phase separation method, introducing PMMA-b-PIL-R* into the body of a polymeric membrane material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides the synthesis of an imidazolium-based functional ionic liquid copolymer (PMMA-b-PIL-R*) and a preparation method of an alloy ultra-filtration membrane. Firstly, PMMA-b-PIL-R* is prepared from methyl methacrylate (MMA) and polymerizable imidazolium-based functional ionic liquid (IL-R*) containing double bonding as the reactive monomers through sequential radical polymerization. With the use of a non-solvent induced phase separation method, PMMA-b-PIL-R* is introduced into the body of a polymeric membrane material, so as to prepare an alloy ultra-filtration membrane. A hydrogen-bond interaction is generated between the carbonyl in the molecular chain of PMMA-b-PIL-R* and the H . . . C—Cl structure in the molecular chain of the polymeric membrane material, which enhances the compatibility between the molecular chains of PMMA-b-PIL-R* and the polymeric membrane material, so that it can be stable in the ultra-filtration membrane; the imidazole groups and functional groups in the molecular chain of PMMA-b-PIL-R* can provide a good hydrophilicity.