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Functional Polymers in Separation Science
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Functional Polymers in Separation Science

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecular Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 5337

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Marek Bryjak

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. St. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: functional polymers; polymer membranes and sorbents; separation processes; polymer modification; surface characterization
Dr. Joanna M. Wolska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. St. Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: bio-mimetic polymers; molecularly imprinted polymers; plasma modification; polymer blends; composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue “Functional Polymers in Separation Science” is dedicated to exploring the wide-ranging applications of functional polymers in the field of separation science, with a particular focus on their chemical attributes and separation efficiency. Functional polymers, distinguished by their unique chemical structures and physical properties, have become pivotal tools in the realm of separation tasks. This Special Issue centers on unveiling the design, synthesis, characterization, and cutting-edge developments of polymers across various applications.

Our Special Issue delves into the following key themes:

  • Tailored design of functional polymers: This encompasses the rational design of molecular structures, cross-linking degrees, and functional groups to optimize separation performance.
  • Methods for the preparation and synthesis of functional polymers: Introduce innovative synthesis techniques, such as controlled polymerization, self-assembly, and the integration of nanomaterials, for the fabrication of polymers with unique properties.
  • Applications of functional polymers in separation processes: Explore the applications of functional polymers in separation sciences, including liquid-phase chromatography, gas-phase chromatography, membrane separation, ion exchange, affinity separation, and more.
  • Applications of functional polymers in biotechnology and life sciences: Investigate the roles of these materials in bioprocessing, drug delivery, protein purification, and bioanalysis.
  • Applications of functional polymers in environmental and energy fields: Emphasize the innovative uses of functional polymers in wastewater treatment, waste recycling, and energy production.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers to gain insights into how functional polymers can enhance separation efficiency and address critical societal challenges. We look forward to researchers from around the world sharing their latest findings and contributing to the forefront of research and applications in functional polymers in the field of separation science.

Prof. Dr. Marek Bryjak
Dr. Joanna M. Wolska
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • functional polymers
  • separation science
  • polymer design
  • synthesis methods
  • chromatography
  • membrane separation
  • biotechnology applications
  • environmental remediation

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1538 KiB  
Article
Effective Transport Recovery of Palladium(II) from Hydrochloric Acid Solutions Using Polymer Inclusion Membrane with Tetrabutylammonium Bromide
by Beata Pospiech
Molecules 2024, 29(13), 3009; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29133009 - 25 Jun 2024
Viewed by 886
Abstract
This article reports on the extraction of palladium(II) from hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions using polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) containing tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as the ion carrier. The membranes were based on cellulose triacetate (CTA) as the polymer support. The main aim of this [...] Read more.
This article reports on the extraction of palladium(II) from hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions using polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) containing tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as the ion carrier. The membranes were based on cellulose triacetate (CTA) as the polymer support. The main aim of this study is to determine the possibility of TBAB’s application as the effective ion carrier/extractant of Pd(II) from hydrochloric acid solutions. At first, the effect of the hydrochloric acid concentration in the aqueous phase on palladium(II) extraction was investigated. Next, cellulose triacetate membranes with TBAB as the carrier were prepared and applied for the recovery of Pd(II) from HCl solutions. As a result of the investigations, the optimal composition of the receiving phase was determined to be 0.5 M thiourea in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid. The effect of the acid concentration in the source phase was investigated. The results show a linear decrease in the permeability coefficient and initial flux of palladium(II) with an increase in the hydrochloric acid concentration in the source phase. The separation of Pd(II) from Pt(IV) from the hydrochloric acid solution was also studied. The transport rate of Pd(II) was higher than Pt(IV). The separation coefficient SPd/Pt was 1.3. The results show that transport through PIMs with TBAB can be used as an effective method to recover Pd(II) from hydrochloric acid, especially at a low concentration of this acid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers in Separation Science)
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13 pages, 17857 KiB  
Article
A Triazine Membrane for Sustainable Acquisition of Au(III) from Wastewater
by Ge Shang, Haonan Dong, Yi Zhang, Conghuan Zhang, Ting Chen, Yunhua He, Hongxing He, Weili Li, Xiujun Deng, Zhifeng Nie and Sibiao Zhao
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2051; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092051 - 29 Apr 2024
Viewed by 815
Abstract
The recovery of Au(III) from solution using adsorbents in the form of granules or powders is challenging due to issues such as instability during the recovery process or mass loss caused by small particle size. This study introduces a PEI-TCT/PVDF composite membrane designed [...] Read more.
The recovery of Au(III) from solution using adsorbents in the form of granules or powders is challenging due to issues such as instability during the recovery process or mass loss caused by small particle size. This study introduces a PEI-TCT/PVDF composite membrane designed to intercept and capture Au(III) in wastewater. Experimental results demonstrated that the PEI-TCT/PVDF membrane exhibits a broad pH range (1–8) and a high retention efficiency for Au(III) of 97.8%, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 294.5 mg/g. The mechanism of Au(III) adsorption on the PEI-TCT/PVDF membrane was mainly through electrostatic adsorption, which caused AuCl4− to aggregate on the surface of the membrane and gradually reduced to Au0 and Au+. Furthermore, the membrane can be entirely regenerated within 20 min and maintains its performance in subsequent adsorption cycles. This study highlights the potential of PEI-TCT/PVDF membranes for the recovery of precious Au(III). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers in Separation Science)
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11 pages, 1480 KiB  
Article
Exploring Bacterial Cellulose and a Biosurfactant as Eco-Friendly Strategies for Addressing Pharmaceutical Contaminants
by Nathália Roberta Cardoso Mendes Castanho, Nathane de Marco, Érika Leão Ajala Caetano, Patrícia Lius Melo Alves, Thaisa Borim Pickler, Natasha Lien de Almeida Ibanez, Angela Faustino Jozala and Denise Grotto
Molecules 2024, 29(2), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020448 - 17 Jan 2024
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Abstract
Aquatic environments face contamination by pharmaceuticals, prompting concerns due to their toxicity even at low concentrations. To combat this, we developed an ecologically sustainable biosurfactant derived from a microorganism and integrated it into bacterial cellulose (BC). This study aimed to evaluate BC’s efficacy, [...] Read more.
Aquatic environments face contamination by pharmaceuticals, prompting concerns due to their toxicity even at low concentrations. To combat this, we developed an ecologically sustainable biosurfactant derived from a microorganism and integrated it into bacterial cellulose (BC). This study aimed to evaluate BC’s efficacy, with and without the biosurfactant, as a sorbent for paracetamol and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in water. We cultivated BC membranes using Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 53582 and synthesized the biosurfactant through pre-inoculation of Bacillus subtilis in a synthetic medium. Subsequently, BC membranes were immersed in the biosurfactant solution for incorporation. Experiments were conducted using contaminated water, analyzing paracetamol concentrations via spectrophotometry and EE2 levels through high-performance liquid chromatography. Results indicated BC’s superior adsorption for EE2 over paracetamol. Incorporating the biosurfactant reduced hormone adsorption but enhanced paracetamol sorption. Notably, original and freeze-dried BC exhibited better adsorption efficacy than biosurfactant-infused BC. In conclusion, BC showed promise in mitigating EE2 contamination, suggesting its potential for environmental remediation. Future research could focus on optimizing biosurfactant concentrations to enhance sorption capabilities without compromising BC’s inherent effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers in Separation Science)
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Review

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21 pages, 7017 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Hollow-Fiber Membrane Fabrication Methods across Biomedical, Biotechnological, and Environmental Domains
by Cezary Wojciechowski, Monika Wasyłeczko, Dorota Lewińska and Andrzej Chwojnowski
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2637; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112637 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2083
Abstract
This work presents methods of obtaining polymeric hollow-fiber membranes produced via the dry–wet phase inversion method that were published in renowned specialized membrane publications in the years 2010–2020. Obtaining hollow-fiber membranes, unlike flat membranes, requires the use of a special installation for their [...] Read more.
This work presents methods of obtaining polymeric hollow-fiber membranes produced via the dry–wet phase inversion method that were published in renowned specialized membrane publications in the years 2010–2020. Obtaining hollow-fiber membranes, unlike flat membranes, requires the use of a special installation for their production, the most important component of which is the hollow fiber forming spinneret. This method is most often used in obtaining membranes made of polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyurethane, cellulose acetate, and its derivatives. Many factors affect the properties of the membranes obtained. By changing the parameters of the spinning process, we change the thickness of the membranes’ walls and the diameter of the hollow fibers, which causes changes in the membranes’ structure and, as a consequence, changes in their transport/separation parameters. The type of bore fluid affects the porosity of the inner epidermal layer or causes its atrophy. Porogenic compounds such as polyvinylpyrrolidones and polyethylene glycols and other substances that additionally increase the membrane porosity are often added to the polymer solution. Another example is a blend of two- or multi-component membranes and dual-layer membranes that are obtained using a three-nozzle spinneret. In dual-layer membranes, one layer is the membrane scaffolding, and the other is the separation layer. Also, the temperature during the process, the humidity, and the composition of the solution in the coagulating bath have impact on the parameters of the membranes obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers in Separation Science)
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