Due to its ability to trap UV radiation, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions contribute to the rising atmospheric temperatures and will continue to do so even if CO2 emissions stop completely. Therefore, separation of this gas to prevent its heat insulation effects is one of the leading potential solutions for climate change. This project seeks to create a membrane capable of separating carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere. Thiol-ene click chemistry was utilized due to the tolerance, high yields, and fast reaction times associated. A tetrafunctional thiol monomer was modified with an imidazole moiety as a mimic to the metal coordination reaction of histidine which is the self-healing mechanism employed by undersea mussels. This dynamic covalent bonding allows for the rapid exchange of bonds within the ligand complex, leading to autonomous self-healing properties. While various transition metals were explored, copper was of particular interest due to its ability to improve the selectivity of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) towards CO2. By combining the previous research on thiol-ene networks for gas separation from the Nazarenko research group with a deeper understanding of metal-ligand coordination bonds, a novel membrane was synthesized. The membrane thermal and mechanical properties were investigated, and the structure and composition probed through a variety of procedures. Copper was shown to increase the network mobility and binding affinity as well as strengthen the mechanical properties.

Incorporation of transition metals into Thiol-Ene networks for improved self-healing and gas separation

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.