Smart Nanocomposite Polymer Membranes with On/Off Switching Control

Abstract

Novel composite-gel membranes capable of regulating permeability in response to external temperature change are being explored. These membranes containing ordered nanochannels can act as “on−off” switches or “permeability valves”. The channels are designed to contain an ordered array of core−shell type magnetic polystyrene latex particles that can change their size in response to external stimuli. Expansion and contraction of the thin shell of magnetic latex particles affect the permeation pattern from the membrane “on” state to “off” state.