Polyamide nanofiltration membrane with highly uniform sub-nanometre pores for sub-1 Å precision separation

Separating molecules or ions with sub-Angstrom scale precision is important but technically challenging. Achieving such a precise separation using membranes requires Angstrom scale pores with a high level of pore size uniformity. Herein, we demonstrate that precise solute-solute separation can be achieved using polyamide membranes formed via surfactant-assembly regulated interfacial polymerization (SARIP). The dynamic, self-assembled network of surfactants facilitates faster and more homogeneous diffusion of amine monomers across the water/hexane interface during interfacial polymerization, thereby forming a polyamide active layer with more uniform sub-nanometre pores compared to those formed via conventional…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 1449500, EEC-1449500, 21988102, 1739884
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: EEC-1449500, 1739884, 51873230, 21988102, 21433012, 51625306
• BO
  Bureau of Reclamation

  Award: R18AC00110