Polyelectrolyte-microgel membranes (C04)

• Subject Area: Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering
• Term: from 2012 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 191948804

Project C4 investigates the formation and performance of polyelectrolyte microgel-based membranes with homogeneous and heterogeneous microgel layers. To this end, we synthesize new types of microgels that carry an ionizable group at every repeating unit, and study their self-assembly at interfaces using Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer transfer, controlled evaporation and filtration, as well as larger-scale techniques such as inkjet printing and doctor-blading. A particular emphasis is set on controlling the morphology of the active layer towards mosaic patterns for charged mosaic membranes (CMMs) with uniquely high salt flux and rejection of organic contaminants. We aim at a detailed understanding of ion transport properties as a function of the lateral architecture of the active layer and the molecular composition of the microgels.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 985: Functional Microgels and Microgel Systems
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Andreas Walther; Professor Dr.-Ing. Matthias Wessling