Dynamic covalent bonds for recyclable organic solvent nanofiltration membranes

Chemical crosslinking of polymeric membranes has been widely explored in the field of organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) to induce superior chemical stability in harsh organic solvents, prevent membrane swelling and allow prolonged performance. However, covalent crosslinking leads to formation of polymeric networks which cannot be easily recycled or reprocessed at the end-of-life. In this project, dynamic covalent bonds (specifically furan-maleimide Diels-Alder (DA) cycloadducts) are used as an alternative to chemical crosslinking of OSN membranes to obtain membranes which are simultaneously highly stable and recyclable. The use of benign reaction conditions and bio-based solvents is central to the project to further contribute to the principles of green chemistry.