Monovalent anion-selective membranes fabricated via in situ interfacial polymerization

Noor Ul Afsar, Michael Holmboe, C. André Ohlin, Niaz Ali Khan, Liang Ge (), Tongwen Xu and Naser Tavajohi ()
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Noor Ul Afsar: Umeå University
Michael Holmboe: Umeå University
C. André Ohlin: Umeå University
Niaz Ali Khan: King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
Liang Ge: University of Science and Technology of China
Tongwen Xu: University of Science and Technology of China
Naser Tavajohi: Umeå University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Developing monovalent anion-selective membranes (MAPMs) faces challenges, including the trade-off between flux and selectivity, membrane stability, and cost-effective fabrication. Overcoming these requires advanced material design and scalable techniques. Here, we introduce in situ interfacial polymerization (ISIP) to prepare MAPMs. Base membranes are synthesized via superacid polymerization and modified with anion channels and -NH2 groups. During ISIP, trimesoyl chloride reacts with surface -NH2 groups, forming a partially crosslinked structure with -COOH groups to regulate ion transport via electrostatic interactions. This results in low membrane resistance (4.7 Ω cm2) and selective transport of weakly hydrated ions (Cl−, Br−, NO3−), while strongly hydrated ions (SO42−, F−) face higher barriers. MAPMs demonstrate high performance, achieving a limiting current density (>90 mA cm−2), Cl− flux (1.98 mol m−2 h−1 at 5 mA cm−2), and selectivity (244 for Cl−/SO42−), confirming effective hydration dynamics control and balanced performance. Simulations reveal how charge distribution affects ion migration pathways.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64196-2

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