Eur. Phys. J. E 5, 29-39
Ultrathin self-assembled polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes
B. Tieke, F. van Ackern, L. Krasemann and A. ToutianoushInstitut für Physikalische Chemie, Universität zu Köln, Luxemburgerstr. 116, 50939 Köln, Germany tieke@uni-koeln.de
(Received 4 September 2000 )
Abstract
The paper is concerned with ultrathin membranes prepared upon
alternating layer-by-layer adsorption of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes on a
porous substructure. The formation of the polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes is
characterised and the transport of gases, liquid mixtures and ions across the
membranes is studied. In particular, the use of the membranes for alcohol/water
separation under pervaporation conditions, and for the separation of mono- and
divalent ions is described. It is demonstrated that upon a suitable choice of
polyelectrolytes and substructures, and a careful optimisation of preparation and
operation conditions, membranes can be tailored exhibiting an excellent separation
capability.
68.47.Pe - Langmuir-Blodgett films on solids, polymers on surfaces, biological molecules on surfaces.
81.15.Lm - Liquid phase epitaxy; deposition from liquid phases (melts, solutions, and surface layers on liquids).
82.65.Fr - Film and membrane processes: ion exchange, dialysis, osmosis, electroosmosis.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2001