Asymmetric polyethersulfone membranes with crosslinked poly(glycidyl methacrylate) particles

Abstract

Polyethersulfone (PES) is frequently used for high-performance ultrafiltration membranes. Functionalization of PES membranes is required to introduce new groups for specific applications, such as affinity membranes for bioseparations [1]. Functionalization methods include bulk modification of PES material, blending of PES with another material, or surface modification of PES membranes [2]. In this work a novel method for introducing functional groups in asymmetric PES membranes is presented [3]. A cast film comprising PES, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and a common solvent was exposed to UV irradiation to form a gel of crosslinked polyGMA. The gel was then immersed in a water bath to create an asymmetric membrane with crosslinked polyGMA particles, as shown in Fig. 1. A simple treatment of these membranes with diethylene triamine was used to open the epoxide rings in polyGMA particles and introduce amine functional groups. The effects of monomer concentrations on the properties and separation performance of these novel membrane adsorbers will be presented.