Thin, micro-nanoporous polyelectrolyte membranes consisting of poly(ferrocenylsilane) featuring imidazolium side groups were obtained in different morphologies by an electrostatic complexation approach employing poly(acrylic acid) anions. The films were characterized by AFM, electron microscopy, FT-IR, electrochemistry, and water permeability experiments. Film thickness, pore size and cell morphology can be controlled by molecular structure, composition, and preparation conditions. The porous structure featured open cells, with cell wall openings that have diameters depending on the oxidation state of the matrix PFS polymer. Due to redox responsive properties of PFS, cell size of the micro/nanopores, matrix charge, and permeability can be switched by controlling the redox state of the matrix either electrochemically, or by oxidizing/reducing agents. Ag nanoparticles in the porous matrix were formed via reduction of Ag nitrate solutions in contact with the redox active polymer. Applications in micro-nanofiltration and catalysis of these smart porous membranes are discussed.Figure 1  . (a) Structure of PFS-VImTf2N and PAA; (b) Chemically induced redox switching process of the PFS based porous membrane.

Micronanoporous redox responsive "smart" films from poly(ferrocenylsilane) polyionic liquids: Preparation, characterization, and applications in filtration and catalysis

248th National Meeting (2014)

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