Orientation of an Amphiphilic Copolymer to a Lamellar Structure on a Hydrophobic Surface and Implications for CO2 Capture Membranes

The structural orientation of an amphiphilic polymer to a highly ordered lamellar structure is observed on a hydrophobic surface. Upon using this material, a high CO₂ permeability of 501 Barrer and a CO₂/N₂ ideal selectivity of 77.2 are obtained, which exceed the Robeson upper bound limit.

Abstract

The structural orientation of an amphiphilic crystalline polymer to a highly ordered microphase‐separated lamellar structure on a hydrophobic surface is presented. It is formed by the surface graft polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol)behenyl ether methacrylate onto poly(trimethylsilyl) propyne in the presence of allylamine. In particular, allylamine plays a pivotal role in controlling the crystalline phase, configuration, and permeation properties. The resulting materials are effectively used to improve the CO₂ capture property of membranes. Upon the optimization of the reaction conditions, a high CO₂ permeability of 501 Barrer and a CO₂/N₂ ideal selectivity of 77.2 are obtained, which exceed the Robeson upper bound limit. It is inspiring to surpass the upper bound limit via a simple surface modification method.

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