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Precisely Engineered Nanofibrillated Membranes: Postcoating Strategy for Independent pH and Temperature Responsiveness
Author(s) -
Liu HsuanHung,
Lee YuanFang,
Chin WeiKuo
Publication year - 2025
Publication title -
chemistryselect
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2365-6549
DOI - 10.1002/slct.202405866
Abstract This study developed pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive nanofibrillated membranes using a templating method with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) as the template, chosen for its controllable pore geometry and scalability. The polymer solution filled the AAO pores via capillary action, and after solvent evaporation, the AAO was etched away to reveal the nanofiber membrane. For pH sensitivity, polystyrene (PS) nanofiber membranes were coated with 2‐(11‐mercaptoundecanamido) benzoic acid (MUABA), whose thiol groups remain protonated in acidic environments but deprotonate in alkaline conditions, significantly altering the contact angle. Temperature sensitivity was achieved by coating poly ( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) onto the PS membrane. Above PNIPAAm's lower critical solution temperature (LCST), the contact angle sharply increases as the amide groups form intermolecular hydrogen bonds, creating hydrophobicity, while below LCST, they bind with water, leading to hydrophilicity. This study provides a simpler, more convenient, and cost‐effective method for producing functional, responsive nanofibrillated membranes.
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