Green Blends Based on Ionic Liquids with Improved Performance for Membrane Technology: Perspectives for Environmental Applications

Abstract

Present research was directed towards the development of new high-performance and cost-effective polysulfone membranes (PSFQ) by introducing ionic liquids (ILs—Cyphos 101 IL and Aliquat 336) into their matrix. Variation of ILs was performed with the aim to find the one that brings new properties and improves the functionality and selectivity of PSFQ membranes in ultrafiltration processes. Based on the obtained results of the rheological study, we established the compatibility of compounds and optimal content of the used ILs, namely 3 wt% and 15 wt% Cyphos 101 IL and compositions varying between 3 and 15 wt % Aliquat 336. Results indicated that the ILs acted as plasticizers when they were added to the system, a helpful aspect in processing membranes used in water decontamination. The efficiency and performance of the membranes were evaluated by their use in the treatment of diclofenac (DCF)-containing waters. Membranes obtained from PSFQ/Aliquat 336 solution containing 15 wt% IL exhibited a 97% removal degree of DCF in the treatment process of 50 mL solution containing 3 mg/L DCF. The separation efficiency was kept constant for four filtration/cleaning cycles. The results indicated an improvement in membrane performance as the amount of IL in their structure increased, which confirms the potential for application in water treatment processes.

Electrospun Membranes Based on Quaternized Polysulfones: Rheological Properties–Electrospinning Mechanisms Relationship

“…In essence, the thinning behavior arises from structural changes in the material that create interactions between the polymer chains and the dispersion medium. Consequently, as the shear force progressively increases and becomes predominant, the polymer chains orient themselves in the flow direction, reducing the probability of interchain associations in favor of intrachain associations, thereby lowering the viscosity [ 47 ].…”

“…Observing the shape of the water sorption curves/isotherms depicted in Figure 9 , they exhibit characteristics similar to Type V isotherms, as per the IUPAC classification. This type of isotherm, accompanied by hysteresis, is commonly associated with porous surfaces, indicative of a hydrophobic material [ 23 , 24 , 47 ]. From the shape and location of the hysteresis, information regarding the surface of the samples can be obtained.…”

Study on carbon dioxide concentration sensor with fiber Bragg grating

“…Since the fiber Bragg grating sensor itself does not have the ability to respond to CO2, only with the combination of CO2-sensitive materials to achieve the function of the sensor to monitor the CO2 concentration of the environment [9]. At the same time, by combining polymers with complementary properties, the internal structural properties of the film can be improved and the sensitivity characteristics can be enhanced [10]. Therefore, the polymer co-blended film is used to monitor CO2 concentration by using the polymer co-blended film to expand in a certain gas to transfer the stress to the fiber grating area, which results in the response of the fiber Bragg grating area to the axial strain [11].…”