Degradable block copolymer-derived nanoporous membranes and their applications

Nanoporous membranes exhibit wide applications in the fields of energy, environmental, and analytical science. Among all nanoporous membrane materials, degradable block copolymers (DBCP) have attracted attention due to their well-defined nanopores, high porosity, narrow pore size distributions, and abundant functional end-groups. In this review, the fabrication strategies of DBCP-derived nanoporous membranes are described first, including degradation of sacrificial blocks, cleavage of block-linkers, and the removal of pore-forming agents. Secondly, the extensive applications of DBCP-derived nanoporous membranes are discussed. Generally, they have been used for separation membranes, nanotemplates, etched masks, catalysis, electronics, biomedicine, etc. Finally, the possible development directions and challenges of DBCP-derived nanoporous membranes in various applications are proposed.

Automated summary

This review discusses the fabrication strategies and extensive applications of degradable block copolymers (DBCP)-derived nanoporous membranes. DBCP-derived nanoporous membranes possess well-defined nanopores, high porosity, and abundant functional end-groups. They have been widely used in separation membranes, nanotemplates, etched masks, catalysis, electronics, biomedicine, etc. The possible development directions and challenges of DBCP-derived nanoporous membranes in various applications are also proposed.