The group of YU Jian has prepared a sulfobetaine-type amphiphilic ionic nanohydrogel graft modified PVDF porous membrane. The amphiphilic ionic nanohydrogel has a size of ~50 nm, which contributes to the rapid wetting and water absorption of the nanohydrogel, thereby imparting super-hydrophilic properties. Since the amphiphilic ionic nanohydrogel has both high water retention properties and strong hydration ability due to the amphiphilic ionic polyelectrolyte, a strong hydrated layer and a near-neutral surface could be constructed on the surface of a PVDF-based porous membrane. The ultra-hydrophilic and nearly neutral surface provides nearly zero adhesion to crude oil under water and excellent flux.
CAS news release, August 23, 2018