Catalyst crosslinked membranes for use in solvent resistant nanofiltration

This paper details the characterisation (e.g. stiffness, swelling) of catalyst crosslinked polydimthylsiloxane (PDMS) and its subsequent performance as the selective layer in polyacylonitrile (PAN)/PDMS composite nanofiltration membranes. The latter is illustrated by way of the representative filtration performance of 9,10-diphenylanthracene solute from n-heptane solvent. It was found that altering the composition of the PDMS polymer has a relatively large effect on the rigidity of the material but little effect on the extent of solvent induced swelling. Additionally, when used as part of a membrane, increasing the catalyst amount has the dual effect of increasing solute rejection and lowering solvent flux. In this way a modicum of tailoring can be introduced to the membrane manufacture process to suit specific process needs.