Preparation And Ion Separation Properties Of Sub-nanoporous PES Membrane

The sub-nanochannels have attracted extensive attention because of the great potential in ion separation and water filtration due to their special ionic transport characteristics.However,how to effectively prepare the separation membranes with controllable sub-nanochannels is still a challenge in the world.In this study,a green and convenient method without any chemical is developed to prepare sub-nanoporous membrane by swift heavy ion irradiation,UV sensitization and water rinse.With this method,the diameter of sub-nanochannels in polyethersulfone(PES)membrane can be controlled effectively in the range of<2.96(?)to 9.04(?)by adjusting the UV sensitization time.The prepared sub-nanoporous PES membrane exhibited voltage-activated ionic transport properties associated with the dehydration effect,and the corresponding I-V characteristics were related to solution p H,ion type and channel diameter.Besides,the sub-nanoporous PES membrane showed ion separation properties of 83 for K⁺/Mg²⁺and K⁺ion transport rate as high as 0.84 mol h^-1 m^-2.For practical applications,it is proved that the prepared sub-nanoporous PES membrane possesses excellent chemical resistant and electrochemical resistant properties.