Filtration membranes from self-assembled block copolymers – a review on recent progress

Abstract

The very recent developments in preparation of filtration membranes from self-assembled block copolymers (BCPs) are reviewed in this paper. We look into membranes with very sharp pore size distribution and the approaches for manufacture of nanoporous films, including etching and templating, the advantages of the new process based on micelle assembly and phase inversion. The paper is divided in two main sections. In the first part different strategies to prepare membranes from block copolymers are summarized. The second part looks into the different factors affecting the pore formation, morphology and the characteristics of the membranes made from self-assembly of block copolymers.