Polysulfones and their derivatives: Materials for membranes for different separation operations

Abstract

Abstract Polysulfones, as well as their derivatives obtained by chemical reactions, are versatile materials for membrane preparation. The selection of an optimum material clearly depends on the separation process for which the membranes will be used. Membranes made from these materials may serve diverse functions, ranging from an actual permselective separation barrier to a support for a thin membrane layer in a composite structure. Illustrative examples of polysulfone membranes useful in these various applications are given and compared with respect to their cross‐sectional and/or their surface morphology as well as in their surface charge and chemical composition.