The fabrication of composite membrane structures typically requires several procedurally complex membrane modification steps. In recent years, we have demonstrated that the scalable technology basis of "Chemistry in a Spinneret" serves as a one-step fabrication process for composite hollow membranes, providing an intelligent alternative for the multi- step membrane modification processes. The formation of a porous hollow fiber membrane acts as an underlying process superimposed with chemical reactions and/or ionic interactions of additives occurring at the interface of the polymer solution and lumen fluid.

Separation layers were formed via covalent crosslinking reactions of polyethylenimine with trimesoyl chloride and glutaraldehyde, crosslinking of dopamine or ionic crosslinking of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes during hollow fiber spinning. All resulting membranes show nanofiltration characteristics or exhibit novel functionalities.

The various material systems investigated establish the "Chemistry in a Spinneret" as a universal technology base for the fabrication of composite hollow fiber membranes. The results provide a broad basis for further membrane material developments.

References

1. Roth, H., Luelf, T., Koppelmann, A., Abel, M. & Wessling, M. J. Memb. Sci. 554, 48–58 (2018).
2. Emonds, S., Kamp, J., Viermann, R., Kalde, A., Roth, H. & Wessling, M. J. Memb. Sci. 644, 120100 (2022).